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TWICE WON; 


OR, V 




SECOND LOVE. 

BY 


MRS. ELIZABETH TAN LOON. 



**A Heart T^vice Won; or. Second Love” will he found to be one of the most 
charming stories of the day. It has a well-contrived plot, all the characters being 
strong, and worked out clearly. Like Sir Walter Scott’s “Ivanhoe,” there is not 
a page in it that any one would wish to skip. The hero and heroine marry in the 
opening chapter, and if you would know how A Heart was Twice Won, do not fail to 
read this strange, sentimental, and absorbing story. It is just the book to create a 
sensation, and meet with a warm welcome from the public, if any book will. 



PHILADELPHIA; 

T. B. PETEESON & BKOTHEKS; 
306 CHESTNUT STREET. 




copyright: 

1878. 



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CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. A DYING mother’s REQUEST 21 

II. GLOOMY FOREBODINGS 28 

III. A DESPERATE GAME 36 

IV. PRECAUTIONS 43 

V. A SIREN 54 

VI. THROWN UP BY THE SEA 63 

VII. OUT OF THE DEPTHS 74 

VIII. NOT pity; but love 83 

IX. DISQUIET 92 

X. A NEW ENEMY 101 

XL A TREACHEROUS COMPANION Ill 

XII. TO THE MOUNTAINS 121 

xiii. “rose manor” 133 

XIV. A LOST DIARY 147 

XV. BY THE RIVER 157 

XVI. stolen! one thousand dollars 164 

XVII. WILL SHE WEAR THE DIAMONDS ? 176 

XVIIL THE PRIM A DONNA 194 

XIX. JUST ONE KISS 204 

XX. THE DEAD ALIVE AGAIN 213 

XXI. A DEAR MISTAKE 225 

XXII. A STRANGE VISITOR 233 


( 19 ) 


20 


•CONTENTS 


CUAPTEU PAGE 

XXIII. AWAKENED 242 

XXIV. TAKEN TO ACCOUNT 250 

XXV. ALMOST RECOGNIZED 258 

XXVI. “thou hast learned to love another”.. 268 

XXVII. A NEW SUITOR 282 

XXVIII. STARTLING REVELATIONS . . . 289 

XXIX. DEATH-BED REPENTANCE 302 

XXX. RETRIBUTION 309 

XXXI. A FAINT CLUE 316 

XXXII. TWICE LOVED 322 

XXXIII. ONLY WAITING 332 

XXXIV. TWICE MARRIED, BUT ALWAYS LOVED 339 


A HEART TWICE WON; 


OR, 


SECOND LOVE 


CHAPTER I. 


A DYING mother’s REQUEST. 



rilHE night was dark and stormy. The 


JL of the young moon and the stars were hid- 
den by thick, dark, rain clouds, which were sending 
a deluge of rain over the earth, and beating sadly 
against the windows of Wimberlie house; dark 
and stormy without, but darker, sadder still, 
within this great house: for death was there, 
waiting to claim a soul. Yes, death — the messen- 
ger whom the human family so dread, and that 
visits alike the rich and the poor, the king and 
the peasant. (21) 


22 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


In a lofty room, overlooking the broad, beauti- ^ 
ful James river, lay the proud mistress of Wim- 
berlie. This would be her last night on earth. 
For hours the watchers had stood by to see her 
breathe her last. When they thought her gone, 
and all was still for a moment, she raised her 
proud head, which had been kissed by the breezes 
of forty-five summers, and said : 

Gordon, my son ! I cannot die till he comes. 
Oh! Gordon, Gordon, my darling, my treasure, 
why do you linger from me so long?” 

Ah ! is the dying mother’s prayer to be answered? 

Yes. For above the roaring, raging, howling 
storm of wind and rain, the bell gives a sharp, 
pealing ring through the house, which reaches the 
ears of this fond mother, whose eyes are even 
now dim with the shadow of death. A moment 
more and the dark figure of a man softly enters, 
and, falling on his knees, clasped the hands of the 
dying woman, and in a choking voice, cried : 

“Oh, mother, mother, I cannot let you go from 
me. I cannot give you up. Speak to me, mother; 
do you not know me?” 

“ Yes, Gordon, my son. God is good. Gordon, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


23 


my time is short, there is much I wish to say to 
you. * I wish to be alone with you for a time.’’ 

Gordon arofee, and hastened to the old family 
physician, Dr. Goodwin, and made known to him 
his mother’s wishes; then mother and son were 
alone together. 

Gordon,” said the dying voice, ^^you love me, 
do you not?” And the clammy fingers strayed, 
lovingly, through the bright golden curls of hair, 
that rested near the pillow. 

Love you, mother ? Ah, yes, more than I love 
my own life, which I would gladly lay down for 
you, my precious, tender, loving mother. No 
other love has ever filled my heart ; you are all 
the world to me. Oh ! how can I give you up ? ” 
^^Do not grieve for me, Gordon; for now that 
you have come, death does not seem so hard. But 
time is short. What time is it now, my son ? ” 
Gordon raised his eyes to the little French clock 
that stood upon the mantel-piece. It is twenty 
minutes of nine, mother.” 

A faint sigh escaped Mrs. Wimberlie ; then she 
said, I have three hours to stay with you, Gor- 
don ; and now I wish you to obey me in this, my 
last wish. Will you, Gordon ? ” 


24 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


“ Mother, I will do anything for you that lies in 
my power,” said the son, as he gently caressed the 
cold, clammy hand, and kissed her pallid lips. 

^^Anything, did you say, Gordon ? ” 

‘^Yes, mother; for I know you will require 
nothing wrong of me,” said the young man, 
proudly. But what is it, mother, you wish me 
to do?” 

‘‘1 wish, my son, to see Kate Blackhurn your 
loife, before I die.” 

Oh, mother ! ” and Gordon Kalston lifted a 
face paler even than the one over which the 
shadow was resting, if that were possible. And 
the voice was dry and husky, which said, ^^My 
mother, why do you wish this thing of me ? Kate 
is nothing but a child, and I do not love her; and 
then, mother, you forget her station in life; she 
has no name, no family; she is your hired com- 
panion; besides, mother, I do not wish to marry 
any one yet for years to come, if I ever marry 
at all.” 

Gordon ! ” And the voice took a tone of stern 
command. ‘^You must comply with my dying 
wishes. I have had this in view for the last 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


25 


two years ; ever since my last visit to Courteney 
Hall. Come, Gordon, promise you will marry 
Kate to-night. There is more in this than you 
dream of. My son, come, be quick; summon 
Kate. She knows nothing of my wishes ; but, 
Gordon, she loves you as no other woman will ever 
love you, and you forget she is now seventeen. 
You will learn to love her; she is so sweet, so 
winning, and so gentle. Come, dear son, this is 
the one desire of my heart ; will you let me leave 
you with this last wish ungratified ? ” 

All was as still as death for some time, save the 
measured, monotonous ticking of the clock, and 
the short, panting, breathing of Mrs. Wimberlie. 

“Oh, my mother! spare me this.’' 

“ My dear boy, it must be so. Go now and call 
Kate, and lose no time. After you are married, I 
will explain all to you. The Rev. Dr. Somerville 
is here, and understands my wishes.” 

The young man arose from his mother’s bed- 
side, went into the next room, and beckoned to 
Dr. Somerville, who came to his side, and took 
his hand in his. 

“ My son, this is a sad return to your home, to 


26 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


find a beloved mother on her dying bed, but we 
must all submit to the will of an ever-watchful 
Father; and now, as the sands of life are running 
swiftly, are you prepared for this strange marriage 
your mother wishes to take place?” 

^‘1 am ready,” said Gordon, in a low, deep 
voice. Send Miss Blackburn to me.” 

Dr. Somerville pressed the young man’s hand 
and left him. Shortly afterward, Gordon felt a 
soft touch on his arm, and a sweet, childish voice 
spoke : Do you wish to see me, Mr. Kalston ? ” 

He started ; he had not seen her approach. 

“Yes, Miss Blackburn, I sent for you to ask 
you to be my wife within the hour.” 

Every particle of color left the girl’s face, and, 
in a low, sinking voice, she said : “ Do you really 
wish this, Mr. Ralston?” 

“If not, why do I ask you? Has not my 
mother spoken to you on this subject?” 

“ She has not,” said Kate. 

“Answer me ; will you be my wife ? It is my 
mother’s dying request.” 

Yes,” said Kate, in a faint voice. She, poor 
child, failed to note the proud, stern expression 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


27 


that settled around the haughty mouth, and shone 
from the deep blue eyes; and blindly she went 
to her fate. Better for her, poor girl, had the 
October rains been falling on the sods that shall 
rest over her still heart, than for her to have con- 
sented to this strange, mad marriage. 

But God, the wise Creator, has veiled the future 
from our vision. We take up the events of each 
day, as the curtain of night is lifted. 

When the last word was spoken which made 
them one, Gordon turned to his mother. She had 
spoken of a revelation she would make to him, 
but ere he reached her side, a smile rested on the 
proud, beautiful mouth, and her spirit had winged 
its flight to the God who gave it. 


28 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER 11. 


GLOOMY FOREBODINGS. 

HE next morning, a solemn, sombre gloom 



I hung over Wimberlie. The household now 
consisted of Gordon Ralston, the only child by his 
mother’s first marriage, and his young wife : his 
young cousin, a girl of eighteen, and her brother, 
twenty. 

Julia and Frank Brent were the orphan chil- 
dren of Mr. Wimberlie’s only sister, who, dying 
poor, left them to her brother’s care at the tender 
age of eight and ten years. These, with the ad- 
dition of the housekeeper. Miss Josephine Carlock, 
or Miss Joe, as she was called, were all the white 
members. Five years before the opening of our 
story, she had come to Wimberlie, from Norfolk, 
with little Kate Blackburn. When Mrs. Wim- 
berlie asked Miss Joe if Kate was her child, her 
old maidenly face burned scarlet, as she said, My 
child! No, indeed; but I love her just the same. 
The sea gave her to me when she was about two 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


29 


years old, after a fearful storm had swept over 
our coast. My brother Royal, who kept the light- 
house, found her washed on the sands; and, 
madam, as he was a bachelor, and did not know 
what to do with her, he gave her to me. She is all 
I have left. My brother Royal was lost in trying 
to save another life, and now I have to get a 
situation as housekeeper. But I can’t part with 
my little Kate.” 

So Mrs. Wimberlie employed Miss Joe, and the 
little sea-bird, as Miss Joe sometimes called her, 
took up her abode at the grand old house of the 
Wimberlies. She was not a handsome child, for 
she was old, far beyond her years. When she was 
old enough, she recited her lessons to the Brent 
children’s governess, and in the tender age of 
childhood, she far surpassed Miss Julia Brent, and 
even Master Frank, who was considered remark- 
ably bright and intelligent. And when the time 
came for Frank to enter college, and Miss Julia to 
enter a fashionable boarding-school, little Kate 
was the most thorough scholar of the three. 
When Kate was fifteen, Mrs. Wimberlie paid a 
visit to England, and on her return she had 


30 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


seemed to scan the child closely for some time; 
then she said to Miss Joe Carlock, ‘^Miss Joe, if 
you have no objection, I will send Kate to Rich- 
mond for the next two years to come, to an excel- 
lent private school, and when she returns I wish 
her to be my companion. I find it so lonely, with 
Gordon gone.” 

At first. Miss Joe refused to give up her pet sea- 
bird ; but when her practical mind took in all the 
advantages her darling was to derive from this 
temporary separation, she gave her consent with- 
out any reluctance, save a few bitter tears, and 
those were shed in private, when she missed her 
little sea-bird most; when the cares of the day 
and evening were over, and she repaired to her 
own especial quarters, she missed the welcome cry 
and the sweet kiss that greeted her after the labors 
of the day. But she would be brave and live in 
the shadow for the next two years ; for the sun- 
beam of her heart would be with her again, and 
this thought, as sweet and refreshing as the dews 
of the morning, chased the gloom from her lonely 
heart. Who can tell the love Miss Joe had for 
this little sea-waif, who had been taken to her 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


31 


kind old bosom in infancy ? She was the gift of a 
dear kind brother^ who slept beneath the surging 
waves. Was it any wonder she called her, her 
sunbeam, her sea-bird, her darling, lovely Kate ? 
But to-day, when the October leaves cover the 
ground, and her little sea-bird is mistress of Wim- 
berlie, there is no gladness or sunshine in her 
heart. The old mistress lies cold in the stately 
parlor, and shadows she cannot chase away fall 
ever before her. “ Strange,” she said, more than 
once to herself, ^Hhat the proud Mrs. Wimberlie 
should wish her son to mate with my little sea- 
bird; not but what she is fit to be queen of 
England, or any other land ; but Master Gordon 
may be an earl. They say his prospects are good, 
and then they have so much family pride, and 
Master Gordon is so handsome, and my darling is 
so plain; but oh, so lovely to me, who understand 
her sweet and gentle ways. Oh, I hope my pet 
will be happy in this new life. I think I should 
die if I saw her shed one tear of sorrow, as I have 
seen some poor wives do.” » 

Poor Miss Joe ! she like many others knew not 
what she could endure until the time came. 

And her darling, what of her? She sat alone 
2 


32 A HEART TWICE WON. 

in an alcove of one of the parlors, her dark, 
swarthy face tear-stained, and the deej), sad gray 
eyes red, and swollen from weeping. She was 
clad in rich, heavy bombazine, elaborately trimmed 
in crape. Her abundant chestnut hair is confined 
at the back of her finely-shaped head with a jet 
comb, from which a few stray curls are escaping. 
She weeps silently and alone. For hours she has 
sat there trying to recall the events of the last few 
hours; trying to realize that she is Gordon Eal- 
ston’s wife. It must be a dream ; then she looks 
at the small tapering finger : there gleams a ring, 
a wedding-ring, taken from the finger of her who 
is sleeping so calmly in her narrow coffin in the 
next room. It is no dream. She is Gordon Eal- 
ston’s wife, and she bows her young head, and her 
girlish lips press tenderly this golden emblem. 
She heard a step at her side, and gently raised her 
head. Her husband stood there : he had been a 
silent witness to this little act of affection on her 
part ; but there was no answering look of love on 
his finely moulded features; a gloomy cloud of 
discontent seemed to overshadow him, and a proud 
disdain rested around his mouth, as he said, ^‘Mrs. 
Ealstou, you will oblige me very much if you will 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


33 


see that my cousin’s rooms are made comfortable 
for her by the time the carriage arrives from the 
landing.” 

As he still remained standing, Kate arose and 
bowed her head in token of compliance. These 
were the first words her husband had addressed to 
her since their parting the night before at his 
mother’s death-bed ; and her face was crimson to 
the very roots of her hair. This plain, sweet little 
ocean-spray seemed almost beautiful, as she stood 
there now with her hands folded one over the 
other, and her eyes so modestly seeking the floor. 
It is true the fingers were rather small, the face 
pale and swarthy; but the eyes, the windows of 
the soul, they were indescribable. We can only 
say they were dark-gray, shaded by long, sweeping 
black lashes; and when those eyes w^ere lifted in 
animated conversation, a halo of almost angelic 
beauty pervaded her whole countenance; or, when 
a blush dyed her cheek, as now, when her hus^ 
band first addressed her, there was something 
almost irresistible in the magical influence that 
seemed to surround her; but Gordon Ralston 
failed to catch in part this sweet, indescribable 


34 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


loveliness shining from a soul as sweet and pure as 
the first violet that smiles out from the snow-rifts 
in spring. In fact, he scarcely knew how his 
young child-wife looked. He could not have 
described her to have saved his soul. He only 
knew she was his wife, and with this knowledge 
came bitterness enough to his proud spirit. He 
did not fail to note this little act of refined delicacy 
in his wife as she arose ; and he cast a half scorn- 
ful glance at her; and in that one glance he 
understood her more than he had ever done be- 
fore. In that small, pale face, he saw pride, 
blended with gentleness; but now he had other 
thoughts than of her, and with a proud bow he 
left her; but he did not fail to note that she 
returned the adieu with a pride as cold and formal 
as his own. 

When left to herself all this cold, stately pride 
left her, and the quiet sweetness of the morning 
iFested again on her face : then, going quietly out, 
she repaired to the servants’ quarters and gave 
orders to old Rachel to see that fires were kindled 
in Miss Brent’s rooms, and the bedding properly 
looked after. 

On her return to the parlor she had left, she was 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


35 


met in. the hall by a young man with a pale, hag- 
gard face, who exclaimed : 

“ Kate, for God’s sake tell me what you have 
done. Is this thing true I hear the negroes 
talking about — that you are Gordon Kalston’s 
wife?” 

Something in Frank Brent’s voice, for it was he, 
made her turn pale as death, as she said, ‘‘Oh, 
Frank, please do not speak so excitedly : remember 
that we are all so sad over the loss of Mrs. Wim- 
berlie.” 

“Ah, yes,” he replied, “sad over the death of 
one who has finished with this world of sin and 
sorrow. But, Kate, do you not think of yourself, 
who have taken a sorrow that you will gladly wel- 
come grim death to relieve you of? Oh, Kate, 
Kate!” 

And something in Frank’s voice sent the first 
' chill of foreboding to Kate’s heart, and made her 
turn pale as death, and reel with a faint coming 
foreboding. 

The eyes of her husband saw these two ; for he 
was passing through the hall, and a disdainful 
smile curled his proud lip when he saw them 
unobserved, and he passed on. 


36 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER III. 

A DESPERATE GAME. 

K ate did not meet Julia the first evening on 
the latter’s arrival at W imberlie house ; but 
at a suitable hour the next morning she knocked 
softly at Julia’s door for admittance. A cooing, 
dove-like voice bade her enter. As she did, a pair 
of soft, velvety arms were thrown around her neck, 
and warm, rosy lips were pressed to hers. 

“ Oh, my dear Kate ; but excuse me, my dear 
. Mrs. Ralston, allow me to congratulate you. What 
a happy creature you must be ! Does Gordon love 
you, my dear? But what a strange question for 
me to ask you, for, of course, he does.” 

A faint, unhappy smile flitted over Kate’s face, 
and the tender mouth quivered as she said, Really, 
Miss Brent, you will have to ask Mr. Ralston that 
question yourself, for I have never done so.” 

But he has told you so many times, I dare 
say,” said Julia, who was watching her visitor 
keenly. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


37 


“ Indeed he has not/’ said Kate, with cold 
dignity. 

Kate had never been fond of Julia in the years 
she had been at Wimberlie house; for Miss Julia 
Brent was proud, haughty, and overbearing to the 
housekeeper’s little protegee, and never failed in 
her actions to make her understand her position 
as her aunt’s paid companion. And Kate drew 
back now from Julia, and said, 

I hope you rested well last night? ” 

‘^As well as could be expected,” returned Julia, 
cooingly. Is my cousin well this morning ? Poor 
Gordon ! I am so sorry for him ! He was so devoted 
to his mother. Say, is he quite well?” 

presume he is,” said Kate. I have not seen 
him since your arrival ; but Martin informed me, 
as I came through the hall that his master had 
been down to breakfast, and had then repaired to 
the library.” 

Just 'then a man-servant, Mr. Balston’s valet, 
Baylis, knocked at the door with a message from 
Mr. Ealston — would Miss Julia join him in the 
library at eleven o’clock. 

Julia’s face lighted with a strange glow as she 


38 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


said, Tell Mr. Kalston I will be punctual. It is 
now ten,” she said, turning to Kate, after Baylis 
had departed, and I must make myself presenta- 
ble, for I have not seen my cousin in over a year.” 

Kate looked at the proud, beautiful girl, who 
stood before her so radiant in all her rich, dark 
loveliness, and, for the first time in her life, she 
wished she too were handsome. Not that she was 
envious, but that she might win one smile or one 
word of praise from her husband, for whom she 
would have laid down her life ; whose voice from 
childhood had power to thrill her young soul, and 
make strange, glad music to her heart. He was a 
bright star she worshipped from afar. Too bright, 
too beautiful to be attainable, and yet she is his 
wife. 

With a delicate pride she turned, and quietly 
bade Miss Brent good-morning, and sought Miss 
Joe’s room, and when there, for the first time in 
many years, she laid her young head on Miss Joe’s 
motherly old lap, and sobbed until her young 
heart was relieved of its pent-up anguish, of what 
she could not tell. 

And Julia Brent — when left alone, a storm of 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


39 


passion swept over her dark, beautiful face, and a 
strange light appeared in the large yellowish black 
eyes, as she stamped her small foot and said — 

“And, aunt Julia, this is your last work, to bind 
Gordon Kalston, with his beauty and intellect, his 
prospects of an earldom, to that plain little nobody 
of a Kate Blackburn. It is she you have chosen 
to reign over Wimberlie, and a few years hence to 
queen it over Dalhurst Castle and Courteney Hall, 
and the many other estates of which Gordon may 
be master, and to be decked in all the rare family 
jewels. She who knows nothing of family or the 
usages of society, while I am left to earn my bread. 
But it shall not be. I will separate them. I will 
undo all you have accomplished. With your 
remains still lying here in this house I swear to 
become mistress of Dalhurst Castle.” Then smoth- 
ering all traces of passion from her beautiful face, 
she robed herself in becoming attire, and sought 
the library. 

Gordon Ealston was seated in a large Turkish 
chair, near the bright wood fire that burned and 
glowed on the marble hearth. There was a look 
of extreme sorrow on his fine face : and the large. 


40 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


bright steel-blue eyes seemed veiled in a cloud of 
mist; and when a gentle hand was laid on his 
arm, and a sweet voice addressed him, calling him 
cousin Gordon, he started to his feet, and turning, 
clasped the soft white hand of J ulia Brent. 

‘^Oh, my dear Julia, I am so glad to see you — 
you who can sympathize with me in this my 
deepest affliction. For hours I have waited for 
your presence, thinking to receive one word of 
sympathy,” and he gazed earnestly into the large 
black eyes lifted to his face. 

He saw the tear-drops shining on the long black 
lashes. Oh, cousin Gordon, I cannot express to 
you how sorry I am for you. We shall all miss 
the dear one so much ; but, Gordon,, has your wife 
no kind words to offer you? Surely she sym- 
pathizes with you — ^your dear mother has done so 
much for her.” 

I have never sought her sympathy ; and she 
seems very shy,” said Gordon, leading Julia gently 
to a chair near the fire. 

Her small hands felt like lumps of ice on his. 
Gordon loved this dark-eyed girl with the low, 
rich, sweet voice, as if she had been a dear sister ; 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


.41 


and now that she was seated there in the library 
at his side, he felt he was not alone in the world. 
His young wife would have tried to soothe, his 
grief if he had given her any encouragement, but 
his conduct towards her was so cold and distant 
that she avoided him as much as possible ; and now 
that he had had time to reflect on the hasty folly 
he had committed, he loathed himself for his own 
weakness, and felt most bitter towards Kate. 

During a pause of some moments, Julia. turned 
her large fine eyes to Gordon’s face, and said — 

“ Cousin Gordon, I think yours is the strangest 
marriage I ever heard of I did not know you 
ever thought of Kate Blackburn as a wife ; and I 
am quite sure she and my poor brother Frank 
were very much attached to each other. And, by 
the way, has anything more been brought to light 
in regard to her family, or who she really is ? I 
think Miss Joe told aunt Julia she and her brother 
gave her the name she now bears, or rather the 
name she did bear.” 

have heard nothing to throw any light on 
the subject,” said Gordon Kalston, gloomily. My 
mother wished to see her my wife. She said she 


42 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


had a revelation to make to me, but she never 
made it. She died, and I know of no clue by 
which to search. I think it was something con- 
cerning Mrs. Ralston. But what ditference does it 
make ? she may be the child of a washerwoman, 
or she may be the daughter of an earl. It is all 
the same to me. What is done cannot be undone ; 
but I have been blind and hasty.’' 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


43 


CHAPTER IV. 

PRECAUTIONS. 

I T was a lovely day in October. The air was as 
soft and balmy as spring. The forest around 
Wimberlie house was clothed in all the glorious, 
gorgeous tints of autumn. The blue waters of the 
James danced and rippled in the warm sunshine, 
seeming to sport with the many gay and lovely- 
tinted leaves that floated on its bosom. But few 
of the sad throng that followed the remains of Mrs. 
Wimberlie to her last resting-place in the old 
church-yard on the hill, took any notice of this 
lovely panorama. Mrs. Wimberlie was a woman 
of unbounded influence in the neighborhood, 
noted for her great pride, and also for her many 
kind and charitable deeds. Possessed of almost 
unbounded wealth and a free heart, no one ever 
sought for assistance in vain : and there were few 
dry eyes as her remains were placed in the family 
vault of the Wimberlies. A Virginian by birth, 
in her early girlhood her rare beauty had attracted 


44 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


the attention of a young man of noble birth from 
the north of England. He was a younger son, 
having one brother older than himself. If the 
elder brother died without issue, Gordon Ralston 
would be Earl of Dalhurst,” one of the oldest 
peerages in England. He was noble and manly by 
nature, and Julia Randolph loved him for his 
noble, manly qualities. 

They were married in Richmond, whither he 
had followed her to her home. She never visited 
her husband’s English home but once during the 
lifetime of the old earl. There was a war of 
words with the old earl, the father-in-law, who 
roundly upbraided his son for throwing himself 
away on a low-born American, when he could 
have married a lady of rank at home. At the 
earnest solicitation of his lovely, proud young 
wife, Gordon gathered together quite a large for- 
tune, and came to the New World; but he did not 
live to see his first-born, the now unhappy hus- 
band of Kate Blackburn, who opened his blue 
eyes to the light of day a few weeks after his 
father’s death. 

The stern old earl took the death of his younger 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


45 


son very hard, and relented so far as to invite his 
daughter-in-law to bring her young son to Dal- 
hurst castle, and make it her home ; for, since her 
marriage, she had lost her father, and now she 
was alone in the world, with her little son, to 
whom she had given his father’s name. But 
with a cold pride, equal to that of her august 
father-in-law, she refused to leave her own beloved 
Virginia. She owned a lovely home in Kichmond, 
several fine tobacco plantations, with over one 
hundred negroes, in her own right, and the lovely 
old manor house, up among the Alleghany moun- 
tains, her husband had fitted up with so much 
care and taste for her; and here she determined 
to rear her child. When little Gordon was five 
years old his grandfather died, and his bachelor 
uncle became Earl of Dalhurst. But a year after 
he married a young wife, and little was ever said 
of Gordon’s chances of ever becoming the heir of 
Dalhurst; and at the age of twenty-five, at the 
time of his mother’s death, he scarcely ever gave 
the subject a thought that he might one day be 
an earl, if he chose to assume that title. 

When Mrs. Balston had been a widow five 


46 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


years, she gave her hand to a wealthy planter on 
the James. In less than one month after the 
marriage, she was again left a widow, Mr. Wim- 
berlie having been thrown from a horse and 
almost instantly killed. After Mr. Wimberlie's 
death she had had many offers of marriage, but 
she refused them all, and devoted her whole time 
to her son, to the management of her large 
fortune, and in ministering to the wants of those 
around her. She was loved from the noblest to 
the lowest, for miles and miles around. And 
when it became known she was dead, they flocked 
to Wimberlie house to get one last glimpse at the 
proud, noble lady who had so often relieved their 
wants. And many a blessing was showered on 
Gordon Ealston’s head for the good his mother 
had done. And many a heartfelt prayer was 
whispered that he might prove as noble and kind 
a man and master as his mother had been woman 
and mistress; and he, for whom those prayers 
were offered, turned from that fond mother’s 
tomb with a heart near bursting with the most 
poignant grief. 

The Eev. Mr. Somerville and several others 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


47 


‘turned to Wimberlie house with the mourning 
lui! and remained over night. Among the 
, who remained over night was Mrs. Wim- 
i.erlie's lawyer from Kichmond, Mr. Leland. 
Mr Mimberlie’s death had been quite sudden, 
•mu ‘t' left no will. Of course all her vast 
proper y went to her son, and he was now one 
<: f the wealthiest men in his State. It had always 
n Ars. Wimberlie’s intention to provide well 
.-b. Frank and Julia Brent. Julia was her name- 
sake, and very beautiful and brilliant. Frank 
4 as a kind-hearted fellow whom everybody loved, 
ar-l Jit the time of his aunt’s death was studying 
1' / With j.Ir. Leland. After all the other guests 
1 Ui ■ 'otired, Gordon Kalston and Mr. Leland 
3 iiJiu i to the library. 

\i . Leland saw by Gordon’s pale, troubled 
fa A had something pressing on his mind, and 
he s : 

‘‘ ‘ Mr. Ralston, if you have anything of 
imp » r e you wish to have me attend to, we 
will . it over to-night, as I shall have to leave 
in thd|| 4 r^ming too early to see you.” 

Gor(7vu at ana c-remed to be in deep thought 
for some, ti: ^ Then he said : 


48 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


^^How is Frank progressing? Do you think 
he will ever make a lawyer?” 

I think he will,” replied Mr. Leland. “ He 
has talents of no inferior order, and studies very 
hard. In fact, I fear he pores over his books 
too much ; for I notice a great change has come 
over him. It seems he has grown thin and 
haggard ever since he left Eichmond, five days 
ago; but, perhaps, while he was in the office I 
did not notice the change, being with him every 
day. I must lecture him when he returns t j 
town on too close application to his books.” 

Gordon remembered the meeting of Frank a? id 
Kate the evening of the former's arrival, and 
thought of what Julia had said; but he kept his 
own counsel, and said : 

I am glad to hear you speak so well of Frink. 
My mother was very fond of him, and I wish to 
make over to him this old family home. It 
belonged to his grandfather Wimberlie and 
should not go to strangers. I think my mother 
would have finally done so if she had Ir^ed. I 
shall settle a handsome sum on Julia a; so, say 
twenty thousand dollars. I also wish m settle 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


49 


echwood on my wife ; then I shall leave the 

V mtry to be absent, perhaps, for years. I can- 

remain here now, where everything reminds 
‘ i ?o much of the past.” 

‘ Of course your wife will accompany you,” said 
? ‘. Leland, thoughtfully. He was very keen and 
• .:'£Vird, this old white-haired man of law, and 
from what he had seen, he knew that Gordon had 
ove for his plain little humble wife, and he felt 
vt 3ep and lasting pity for the young man, and 
ier, tily regretted that Mrs. Wimberlie, with her 
1 ; ie qualities, and her great mother-love, had 
cl ed his young life by bringing about this 
£ re marriage. 

o, Mr. Leland, I shall not take Mrs. Kalston 
V it ne : we should both be more unhappy than 
we now. This marriage has been a sad mis- 
'k' around ; but we will say no more about it 
' '%nr. I will be in the city the first of the 

V wl en I wish to finally settle up this busi- 
n f hen they arose and left the library, and 
so? 'got cheir rooms — Gordon to pace the fioor in a 
stroe krd< ing almost on distraction — grief for the 
1 of j bv loved mother, and the anguish of 


50 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


being bound to a woman he did not love. He 
kept up his night walk till the gray October dawn 
streaked the eastern horizon. Then he threw ; 
himself on his bed, dressed as he was, and fell 
into a deep and feverish sleep. At nine o’clock, | 
when Baylis went to his master’s room, he found 
him with a burning fever, tossing and moaning in 
wild delirium. He flew to Miss Joe’s room with 
this news as fast as his limbs could carry him. 

Miss Joe lost no time in visiting Gordon, to see 
for herself. She saw at once he must have med- 
cal attention. A negro man was called, aid 
ordered to ride for his life for Dr. Goodwh. 
After Tom left the room. Miss Joe turned and aw 
Kate, who had entered the room unobserved. 

What has happened, aunt Joe ? Who is ack 
that you summon Dr. Goodwin?” 

Do not be alarmed, my little ^ sea-bird,’ but 
Mr. Kalston is quite sick ; but I do not thinkdan- 
gerously so. He has a very high fever, )ut I 
think it is produced from over-excitement.” 

Kate clasped her small, thin hands, andwith a 
face pale as death, and a voice tremblig with 
grief, said : 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


51 


Oh, aunt Joe, do you think he will die ? Oh, 
tell me : I can read alarm in your face. Do not 
hide it from me.” 

No, no, dear, I am not trying to deceive you. 
I think when the doctor comes, and gives him 
something to quiet him, and make him sleep and 
get some rest, he will be all right again in a few 
days.” 

Oh, that it may be so,” said Kate, sinking into 
a chair, and covering her face with her hands. 

As soon as Dr. Goodwin arrived and saw his 
patient, he turned to Miss J oe and said : 

“ Miss Joe, I do not wish to alarm you all, but 
I think Mr. Ralston has small-pox. Rid the 
house of all visitors at once, as quietly as possible.” 

Miss Joe went according to the doctor’s direc- 
tions, and by noon the house was empty of guests. 

Frank Brent had expected to return to Rich- 
mond on the afternoon boat, but he said to Miss 
Joe he could not be so cowardly as to desert Gor- 
don now. So he sought his sister’s room to tell 
her he would remain at Wimberlie house to help 
nurse Gordon. He found Julia, in a wild state of 
excitement, packing a trunk to take the evening 


52 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


boat. When informed of Frank’s intention of 
remaining, she sharply said : 

Frank Brent, you are a simpleton, and can do 
as you like; but you have got to take me to the 
river.” 

Very well, sister of a simpleton, if you are so 
cowardly as to desert Gordon now, I will do as 
you wish. I will see you safe on board the boat, 
and return here where duty and decency demands 
me.” 

am sure,” said Julia, angrily, ^Hhere is 
enough here to take care of him without you run- 
ning this risk. Where is that creature aunt Julia 
made a fool of herself in forcing him to marry ? 
She is a good nurse, they say, in sickness : let her 
wait on him.” 

Hold,” said Frank, with flashing eyes, “ never 
use that expression, in regard to Mrs. Balston, 
again to me. Creature, indeed! She is as far 
above you as the dove to the serpent, and you 
shall speak of her with respect, or never mention 
her name to me again. A man that would dare 
to call Kate Ralston a creature in those sneering 
tones should answer to me with his life. You 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


53 


are like some others I know of, not capable of 
appreciating her, as the angel she is. But, with 
the shadow of death still lingering in this house, 
let us not quarrel, Julia.” 

And she knew it would not be well to have 
any more words with him. In the evening he 
put her on board the boat that passed Wimberlie 
house at four o’clock, told her to take a camphor 
bath, tie assafoetida around her neck, place some 
in her stocking, and not to breathe till the boat 
was ten miles away. 


54 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER V. 


A SIREN. 


HE third morning, when Dr. Goodwin visited 



JL his patient, his kind face was radiant with 
happiness, and he rubbed his hands with a degree 
of satisfaction peculiar to the profession, as he said 
to Miss Joe and Frank, who were watching by 
Gordon’s bedside, I am most happy to say Mr. 
Ralston’s disease is malarial fever, and not small- 
pox, as I at first supposed.” 

Of course this piece of information filled their 
hearts with thanksgiving ; and Kate, who entered 
the sick-room at this moment with a few freshly- 
clipped rose-buds and geranium leaves, caught the 
happy expression on each face, and her heart 
bounded with joy, as she hastily reached the doc- 
tor’s side, and said, Mr. Ralston is better, is he 
not, Dr. Goodwin?” 

^^Are you very anxious for him to get well, little 
one ?” said Dr. Goodwin, looking down on the child- 
wife, with a quizzical look in his merry brown eyes. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


55 


^^Wish it?” said Kate. Dr. Goodwin, I 

have prayed so earnestly that he may get well 
again soon, and that his beautiful blue eyes may 
escape this horrible disease unscarred.” 

And as her young face was upturned to his, and 
those gray orbs looked into his own. Dr. Goodwin 
thought to himself, Well, I have lived for fifty 
years, and Mrs. Ralston has the finest pair of eyes 
I ever looked into.” And he replied to her, 

I cannot say Mr. Ralston is better, my dear 
madam; but I think you need not feel uneasy 
about his fine eyes. He has not got small-pox, but 
malarial fever. He has been down in the swamps 
of Louisiana so long, the disease is very deeply 
seated; but, with proper care and attention, he 
wdll soon be up and around again ; and these sharp, 
frosty November days in this rigorous Virginia 
climate will have the effect of making him strong 
again.” 

Thank God for this good news. Dr. Goodwin,” 
said Kate, as she went and bent over Gordon’s 
pillow, and laid her offering of fresh flowers by his 
waving locks of golden hair. But it was many 
days, and weeks, even, before Gordon was able to 


56 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


sit up^ even for a little while ; and the Christmas 
holidays were near at hand before he was able to 
leave his room. 

As soon as Julia Brent knew there was no dan- 
ger for her beauty, she returned to Wimberlie 
house. She much preferred to remain in the gay 
capital, than to bury herself at Wimberlie house 
at this season of the year ; but she had to be on 
hand to watch Gordon and Kate. She feared Mr. 
Ralston would learn to love his child-wife; and 
this she must prevent, if possible. And when a 
wicked woman sets her head, Satan is always 
ready to assist in accomplishing her designs. 

One evening, Kate threw on a shawl and hood 
to protect herself from the sharp, cutting winds, 
at Miss Joe’s suggestion, and went out for a walk 
on the lawn. She had spent so many sleepless 
nights of anxious watching, that her small frame 
was worn to a shadow. Gordon was seated at the 
window where he had a plain view of his wife. 
He looked after her as she went down the gravel 
walk, and could not help but notice with what 
easy grace she moved. He sat there watcdaing her 
for some time. He did not feel so bitter towards 


A HEART TWICE WON. 57 

her now as he did at first. There was something 
so gentle and so soothing in her presence in the 
sick-room ; and once or twice, when she thought 
him unconscious, she had laid her little head near 
his pillow, and taken his feverish hands in hers 
and pressed them to her lips ; and once he remem- 
bered her lips touched his brow, and two warm 
tears fell on his cheek. He half opened his eyes, 
and saw the shy blushes that dyed her face and 
neck, at this piece of boldness. And he thought 
her not so bad-looking, after all. But when he 
again returned to a state of full consciousness, he 
missed her soft footsteps in his room — missed the 
sweet influence her presence brought him. 

As soon as Kate knew he was better, she never 
entered his room. She had said to aunt J oe, I 
will never enter Mr. Kalston’s room until he bids 
me do so.” But he had not summoned her there ; 
but this evening, as he watches her, with the last 
setting rays of the December sun bathing the blue 
waters of the James and the opposite shore, gild- 
ing the tree-tops with golden tints, and resting on 
the face ef his child-wife, she looked like a very 
pretty picture, with this golden setting, as she turns 


58 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


and looks at his window. J ust then Kate is joined 
by Frank, and J ulia enters her cousin’s room ; and, 
taking a low stool at Gordon’s feet, her black eyes 
follow the graceful, willowy form of Kate, and her 
brother Frank, as they walk slowly along the 
grounds, out into the road, and down to the river 
bank. 

The sun has now gone down, and the figures 
are but dimly outlined against the horizon. For 
some time after they have disappeared from view, 
Julia sits, with her large black eyes partially veiled, 
in deep thought. There is something weighing on 
her mind. She wishes to talk to Gordon of Kate ; 
she hardly knows how to begin. She has studied 
his countenance closely, while she has been sitting 
there. She sees that Gordon’s eyes have been fol- 
lowing the childish figure, also. She is disap- 
pointed with the expression of his face. She sees 
a look of tenderness there, as the blue eyes rest on 
the form of his child-wife. It is not a look of de- 
voted love — it is a look of pitying tenderness, as 
he thinks of Kate’s devotion to him. And Julia 
knows that pity is akin to love ; and she is think- 
ing what she shall say to him to bring his thoughts 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


59 


from his child-wife, who she fears is growing all 
too fast in his waking dreams. 

J ulia sits at Gordon Ralston’s feet until a ser- 
vant comes in with lighted candles for the night, 
and the fire is replenished on the marble hearth, 
and the heavy silken curtains are dropped over the 
rich plate-glass windows. 

Gordon has been so quiet and thoughtful. What 
did it mean ? She fears she hardly knows what. 
Gordon wheels his easy-chair up to the fire, places 
a low, soft crimson chair up for Julia, and gal- 
lantly places her in it ; then he resumes his own 
easy-chair at her side. He took one of her soft 
white hands in his, and, looking into the beautiful 
dark face, on which the fire-light is playing and 
making more lovely, Gordon thinks, than any face 
he ever saw, he said : 

^^Dear Julia, I am so glad you came in to see 
me this evening, for I have been thinking, long 
and deeply.” There was a wistful look in his blue 
eyes, and an anxious tone in his voice. 

Dear cousin Gordon, I am most happy if my 
visits give you pleasure,” said Julia, in her lowest, 
softest accents. ^^And now, tell me of what you have 


60 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


been thinking, to give you that sober, solemn look. 
You look as if you did not have a friend in the 
world.’^ 

But I do not feel that way, dear Julia. I feel 
like my friends are increasing, instead of diminish- 
ing,” said Gordon ; and the first smile lighted up 
his noble, handsome face, that had rested there 
for many, many weeks. 

“ Why, what new acquaintances have you been 
making that you admire so much, since you have 
been confined at Wimberlie house?” said Julia, 
playfully ; and her eyes never left his face. 

No new acquaintances,” said Gordon ; but I 
have become some better acquainted with an old 
one — Mrs. Gordon Kalston.” 

Julia sat paralyzed, as it were, incapable of 
making any reply. But rallying quickly, she 
said — 

^^And so you have concluded to accept her, and 
present her to the world as your wife ? ” 

^^She is my wife, Julia; and ^ those whom God 
hath joined together, let no man put asunder,' ” said 
Gordon, in a deep, reverent voice. There was a 
time when I thought of freeing myself by law, and 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


61 


of giving up home and country, and leaving her 
and becoming a wanderer in strange lands; but 
this evening, as I sat at the window watching her 
little feet upon the gravel walk, a new feeling 
came over me. I really think I am in love with 
this little plain-faced girl, and think that after all 
my dear mother, who was so noble, and who could 
read the human character so well, did a good 
thing in choosing her for my wife.” 

Julia’s hand grew cold, and a chill crept into 
her heart as she listened to these words; but it 
was not for long. Then flashing her black, bril- 
liant eyes to his face, she said : 

Oh, Gordon, I am so happy to hear you talk 
thus — so glad that you have learned to love this 
little gipsy foundling from the sea. Of course, it 
makes no difference now, as you once said, if she 
be the daughter of a washerwoman, or the daugh- 
ter of an earl, for you know love is blind to all 
defects. But it would not be pleasant to have 
some Italian organ-grinder, or some street singer, 
claim Mrs. Gordon Ralston for their daughter 
some day, would it?” said Julia, with a low, 
musical laugh. 

No, it would not,” said Gordon ; and his pale. 


62 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


wasted face flushed, and the old proud, stern look 
returned to the haughty mouth. Pie then said : 

I know Kate, my wife, must be of gentle blood — 
her very actions bespeak the lady. She is very 
young and timid; but I think in time she will 
make a lovely woman.” 

hope so, cousin Gordon, for your sake,” said 
Julia, in a tone Gordon never thought of doubting. 

Just then tea was brought in to Gordon. He 
invited Julia to take tea with him, and despatched 
a servant for the extra cup. 

Hark ! ” said Gordon, what heavenly music is 
that? Who is at the piano?” And the whole 
expression of his face changed, and a look of 
wrapt delight chased away every thought and 
feeling, save the deep, rich, powerful voice singing 
in the music room. 

^^It must be your wife,” said Julia. ^^She has 
rather a good voice. She sings that song well. It 
is Frank’s favorite. Have you never heard her 

• o yy 

sing c 

No, this is the first time,” and a cloud came 
over his face. 

Julia saw her shot had taken effect. She 
resolved it should not be the last. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


63 


CHAPTER YL 

THROWN UP BY THE SEA. 

T he Christmas holidays had come and gone, 
and Frank Brent, with his sad heart, had 
returned to Richmond, and to his musty law 
books. He had loved Kate with a warm, undying 
love — a love that could never grow cold. He 
could have given her up to another, if that other 
could have loved her as he did ; but he felt that 
the happiness of her young life was wrecked upon 
the' barren rocks, for the rolling waves of trouble 
to beat over and wash against at will. But he 
had said to Kate, 

shall still call you by that name. I want 
you to promise me one thing. If ever you need 
a friend, call on me, just as if I were your brother, 
and I will defend you with my life. I can never 
call you wife, but we can be friends. Gordon 
Ralston is a noble man, possessed of many noble 
and rare qualities, but you \yill not be happy with 

him — you are unsuited for each other. You may 

4 


64 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


think my words strange, Kate, but I am afraid 
Julia will work you harm. She is my sister; 
but I distrust her, and have little of the affection 
of a brother for her,” and as he spoke, his dark 
eyes rested on Kate’s face with a strange, soft 
tenderness, which made her heart beat with more 
than its wonted measure. 

She had refused this kind-hearted boy’s heart 
and hand, but she felt she could trust him as a 
friend ; and in bidding him good-bye, she said : 

“ I will call on you, dear Frank, if I ever need 
a friend,” and her dark gray eyes shone with 
tenderness as she spoke. 

She would miss him when he was gone. Miss 
Joe was busy with her many household duties, 
and Julia seemed to shun her. Her husband took 
no notice of her whatever — poor child. She 
wondered if all brides felt as miserable, lonely and 
desolate, as she did. 

Frank left Wimberlie house on Saturday, and 
on Sunday, Kate attended church. Julia remained 
at home on the plea of a severe headache. The 
service had been very beneficial to Kate. Each 
word that fell from the lips of the rector — Rev. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


65 


Mr. Somerville — held a balm for her sad and 
sorrowing heart. Here she could hold sweet 
communion with her God,” and for a while forget 
the sorrows that were wearing her life away. 

She had now been a bride three months, and no 
kind, endearing word had fallen on her ears from 
her proud young husband ; but this calm and holy 
Sabbath evening, when she is seated in her room, 
with the word of God opened at the passage, Let 
not your hearts be troubled,” her sorrow gained 
the mastery of her, and she bowed her head and 
cried in her anguish. 

Oh, Saviour ! how can I help it, when I love 
him so much ! ” She leaned her head on the table 
and wept, yet praying for strength to endure. 

Miss Joe came in just then, and seeing her 
darling so cast down, she went to her side, and 
said : 

«« Why is my darling so sad to-night, when I 
have so much to tell her that will surprise her?” 

Kate lifted her dark, pale, tear-stained face to 
Miss Joe’s, and said: 

Oh, auntie, I cannot help it ; but I will try 
and not let my feelings overcome me again. 


66 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


for I know it makes your kind heart bleed to see 
me sad. 

^^And now what is it you have to tell me? 
Something pleasant, I know, from the expression 
of your face.” 

Yes, pleasant,” said Miss Joe, and her face was 
dyed with blushes. 

Now, ^ sea-bird,’ lay aside all your sorrows for 
this evening, and I will tell you a strange story.” 

Kate closed her book and laid it on her lap, and 
rested herself back in her chair. Miss Joe placed 
a stool at her feet with her face turned from the 
light, so Kate could not see it, and said : 

^^Dear little bird, years ago, before you ever 
came to me, I was a gay-hearted maiden, with 
every luxury around me to make me happy. My 
parents had but two children — my twin-brother 
Eoyal, and myself. I had a lover ; Hally, a brave 
sailor-boy. He kissed me good-bye, and said, ^ Josie, 
this will be my last voyage ; when I return from 
Liverpool we will be married and settle down on 
shore. I am tired of sea-faring life.’ So off he 
went; and, dear child, you have no idea how 
lonely I felt without him. It was May when he 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


67 


sailed, and I expected him to return in September. 
In J une, after Hally left, my father died, and by 
some speculation or other our pleasant little for- 
tune was swept away. Mother, who was a frail, 
delicate creature, could not battle with poverty, 
and in two months she followed my father. Then 
Eoyal and I were alone. He, poor boy, was like 
our dear mother, little fitted for a life of hardships 
of any kind. He was offered a situation as light- 
house keeper, which he gladly accepted : he 
thought the sea-breeze would benefit him, which 
it did; for he soon began to improve and grew 
stronger. 

The last of September, Hally’s ship came in, 
but he did not come. 

‘‘I expected a letter from day to day; but 
never received a line. 

So it went on from year to year, until now it 
has been twenty years since we parted. 

Mr. Bristo called to-day on his way home from 
Norfolk, and brought me a letter from Hally. 
After a twenty years’ wandering in the old world 
he has accumulated an immense fortune, and now 
returns to America a wealthy man. He has 


68 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


written, asking me to share that fortune with 
him. And now, Birdie, I want your advice. 
What shall I say to him? Only think of it: I 
am forty-three years of age now, and Hally fifty 
years.” 

^^What shall you say, aunt Joe? Let your 
heart respond. If you love him as you say you 
did, then say yes! Nothing could make me 
happier than to see you ^ happy for life ; ’ ” and as 
she said this she threw her arms around Miss 
Joe’s neck, and pressed a warm kiss on her face. 

But what will become of you, my darling, if 
I should leave Wimberlie ? You are not happy, 
and I can never leave you miserable as you now 
are.” 

No, do not leave me, aunt Joe ; but let me go 
with you. I cannot live if your dear, kind face is 
turned from me. Take me with you, and let me 
try to forget how miserable I am. I will have no 
friend left when you are gone ; and I want above 
all things to see you happy. You, who for twenty 
years have endured hardships and sorrows, should 
taste of the sunshine and joys of life in your 
declining years. I want to get away from here. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


69 


and try to forget, if possible, the last few months 
of my life. I know Mr. Kalston will be happy 
when I am gone ; and I would die to make him 
happy;” and Kate covered her face with her 
hands and wept. 

Miss Joe looked on her darling’s grief, and 
many a pang wrung her heart ; for she had loved 
and toiled for Katie as if she were her own ; and 
when Kate’s j^oung spirit was clouded, so was hers, 
and she mildly said : • 

My darling, you cannot leave Wimberlie with- 
out your husband’s consent; and when the morrow 
comes I will speak to him. I am older than 
either of you, and I will try to find out from him 
his feelings towards j^ou.” 

No ! no ! aunt Joe,” said Kate, falling on her 
knees at her feet, ^^do not broach this subject to 
Mr. Ralston. I should die if you did ; he is not 
to blame. He did not love me when he married ; 
the fault was mine : but, oh ! I love him so much. 
But you must not plead to him, it would bring me 
down so low in my own estimation. I could 
never look on his face again : but let me leave 
Wimberlie and go with you, and leave him in 


70 


A HEAKT TWICE WON. 


peace. I know lie will be hajipier when I arn 
gone. 

“And then you know, aunt Joe, if I go away 
and leave him, there is a law that will give him 
back his liberty. He is young, only twenty-five, 
and has so many years before him. 

“I cannot remain near him and live in this 
cold atmosphere of utter indifference. 

“Mr. Ealston is very proud; so am I. And 
even if I do not go with you, I shall leave Wim- 
berlie at all events.” 

“But where would you go, my darling, and 
what would you do?” said Miss Joe, pushing the 
heavy masses of dark hair from the broad, low 
brow, and kissing it tenderly. 

“ I do not know just yet,” said Kate. “ I could 
teach, or become a governess in some family ; or I 
could go on the stage. I have only to write to 
Professor Yon Herchien, and he will gladly 
receive me and train me for the stage, as you 
yourself know. God has endowed me with one 
gift — a voice ; and if I am left to . my own 
resources I shall certainly make use of this gift. 
But, aunt Joe, there is one request I wish to 


A HEART TTriCE WON. 


71 


make of you : please give me the locket that was 
on my neck when your brother found me washed 
upon the sands. 

You have often told me of it, but I have no 
recollection of ever seeing it. Will you give it to 
me, aunt Joe? I am old enough to take care of 
it now.” 

^^Yes, my darling child, I will give it to you;” 
and as she said it, she arose, and went to a trunk 
that stood near the window. 

You shall have it, my lamb. I am glad you 
asked me for it. I never have the heart to go to 
that trunk, it is Royal’s. 

He took it from your neck and put it there. 

I have never taken it out but twice. Once I 
showed it to Mrs. Wimberlie, and then, after her 
last visit to England and Courteney Hall, she 
asked to look at it again.” And coming to Kate’s 
side she laid the trinket in her lap. 

A strange awe came over the girl as she took 
the locket in her hands. 

The chain that held it was of the finest wrought 
gold. The locket was heart-shaped, enamelled in 
black, and set with diamonds. On one side was a 


72 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


dove with the olive branch, on the other the 
letter K. 

With trembling fingers she tried to open the 
locket ; but it was some time before it yielded to 
the pressure of her delicate fingers, but at last, 
when the lid flew back, she saw it contained the 
face and form of a lady. 

It was impossible to trace the features, as the 
salt water, having penetrated the lid, had almost 
obliterated them. On the other side lay a tiny 
curl of soft, brown hair, and Kate knew it had 
been severed from some little baby head. She 
removed the glass, and, upon examination, she 
found it contained two curls, one a shade or two 
darker than the other, and a little longer. 

She called aunt Joe’s attention to this, and 
remarked that it looked like two children’s hair. 

Perhaps I had a brother,” she said, “or have 
one now living, for this short curl looks as if it 
once adorned the head of a baby-boy. Oh, aunt 
Joe, how terrible it is to be placed as I am! 
Perhaps I have fond parents, brothers, and sisters 
in this world looking on me as dead, and I have 
no clue by which to let them know I still live.” 


A HEART TWICE WON 73 

She pressed the hair to her lips, and the warm 
tears trickled down her dark cheeks and fell on 
Miss Joe’s hand. 

There, ^ my precious,’ ” said the kind, loving 
woman, ^^do not w^eep so. You know I have 
always taught you there was a kind Providence 
overruling us, and that God, the Father and 
Creator, brings everything about for good, 
although we may not think so at times. Now 
look at me, for instance. After twenty years 
wandering I am at last rewarded with Hally’s 
return and his love. But, alas, the changes that 
have occurred in that time ; but do not despair, 
iny child. I will wait, if you say so, and see what 
Mr. Ealston will do, for I feel very loath to leave 
you, my pet. I shall leave Virginia, leave the 
United States, in fact, and I would like so much 
to see you happy in your husband’s love, and 
reunited with your family. That is why I have 
always guarded that chain and locket with such 
jealous care.” 

Will Miss Joe’s wishes ever be realized? 
Eeader, time will tell. 


74 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER VII. 


OUT OF THE DEPTHS. 

OOR Julia! Frank was sick, and she had 



I been called to Richmond to nurse him, and 
thus Gordon Ralston and his young wife were left 
to themselves, as it were. For Miss Joe was very 
busy making preparations to leave Wimberlie 
house, to join her intended husband at Norfolk. 

At first, when Mr. Leland wrote to Julia, she 
refused to go. And when, a few days later, a 
letter came to Gordon, asking why she did not 
come, she raised her beautiful eyes to his face and 
said, “ Cousin Gordon, I never received the letter. 
There has been some mistake.” Now Julia 
wished Mr. Ralston to think well of her, and the 
tears sprang into the soft black eyes, and the 
beautiful coral lips quivered like a grieved child’s 
as she said, 

^^Poor Frank! I am so sorry. Poor, dear 
brother ! of course I will go to him at once. What 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


75 


could have become of the letter Mr. Leland says 
he sent to me four days ago ? ” 

“Do not let it trouble you, dear Julia. It has 
been miscarried in all probability, and will turn 
up soon. But you have barely time to get ready 
for the boat, so I will have the coachman put the 
horses to the carriage, and take you to the land- 
ing and see you safely on board. I am very sorry 
I cannot accompany you, for in my present feeble 
state of health I do not think it would be prudent 
to undertake the trip. But you must write and 
let me know how Frank is getting along,” and as 
he said this he left the parlor. 

Julia flew up-stairs, and when she reached her 
own room she clinched her hands together until 
the nails sank deeply into the soft, white flesh, 
and she hoarsely exclaimed, “A nice thing this is 
of Master Frank Brent to get sick and send for 
me at this crisis ! I may have to be detained 
there for weeks, and what may not that young 
beggar accomplish in that time? Gordon is in 
trouble, and his mind enfeebled from sickness. 
That old she-cat, Miss Joe Oarlock, is going to 
Norfolk, and they will be left alone. Oh, had the 


76 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


sea engulfed them both before they ever came to 
Wimberlie house ! If death would only come 
along and sweep this girl from my path.’’ 

A thought seemed to enter her evil heart and 
her very lips became livid. No, no,” she said, 
could not do that;” then going to her writing- 
desk, she took out the letter she had got from 
Mr. Leland, and laid it on the fire. There,” she 
said, Gordon shall never know I received that 
letter.” 

And by the time the carriage was announced, 
her beautiful face was as calm and serene as a 
bright and lovely May morning. 

And, when Gordon kindly bade her good-bye, 
his honorable soul would have been shocked could 
he have known how wicked and treacherous she 
was, and that thoughts of murder had been m her 
heart. 

How well it is, that we cannot read the 
thoughts of those by whom we are surrounded. 

In accordance with Mr. Ealston’s wishes Julia 
wrote every day after reaching the city. “Frank,” 
she wrote, “had brain fever, the physician said; 
and he had but little hopes of his recovery.” This 
was the first letter she wrote. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


77 


In a day or two, however, she wrote more 
hopefully. The physician thinks he has some 
great disappointment in love.’' 

Gordon frowned and bit his lip, as he read. 
Julia had now been absent two weeks. It was a 
bright, sunny morning in February, such as 
often come to us after winter has held its sway 
and hushed to sleep the last blossoms of summer, 
to be resurrected again when spring dons the 
emerald crown, and the soft south winds fan to 
life again the meek-eyed daisies and the sweet- 
scented violets. 

It is Miss Joe’s last Sabbath at Wimberlie 
house; when the sweet, calm and holy Sabbath 
came again, with its soft, warm sunshine and 
swelling buds, she would be far away. She 
was sad, and her heart was filled with many 
misgivings for the future welfare of her darling. 
But poor Kate, whose heart was near bursting, 
tried to be cheerful for the sake of her who had 
filled a mother’s place to her so long. 

When she saw her plan of leaving Wimberlie 
without consulting Mr. Balston’s wishes was 
objectionable to aunt Joe, Kate made up her 


78 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


mind to put a bold face on matters, and let 
Providence work out her fate. 

So when Miss Joe, with tears in her eyes, 
proposed their attending the old church on the 
hill, where the late lamented Mrs. Wimberlie 
slept, she passed her hand over her face and the 
tears, which she tried hard to repress, rolled down 
her face. 

‘^Yes, dear; aunt Joe will go to church.” 

AYhen eleven o’clock came, and the beloved 
pastor — the Rev. Mr. Somerville — came out from 
his study, as was his wont, a few moments before 
service began, he looked over his congregation, 
and his eyes rested on Miss Joe Carlock and Kate, 
seated in a quiet corner of the church, the latter 
with her heavy crape veil falling over her 
face and her head bowed in meek and humble 
prayer. 

Mr. Somerville saw his young parishioner, in 
whom he took a deep and lasting interest. 

He went over to the pew where she sat, and 
asked her to take her seat with the singers at the 
organ. 

She had not sung since Mrs. Wimberlie’s death. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


79 


She arose with rare and easy grace, and 
followed the aged minister, who conducted her to 
her old accustomed place: for regularly each 
Sabbath for the last year her sweet, beautiful 
voice had sung sweet praises to#the “ King of 
kings.” 

She had been greatly missed during the winter; 
and now, when the organ began to peal forth its 
powerful notes, she threw aside her veil, and her 
eyes wandered over the congregation until they 
rested upon Mrs. Wimberlie’s pew. 

There sat Gordon Ralston, cold, stern and 
proud, with a face ghastly pale. He was looking 
at her ; their eyes met. Then Kate dropped 
hers upon her book. 

How powerful, how deep, rich and sweet was 
the voice of Kate, as she sung the beautiful 
‘^Coronation” hymn. Her face was as colorless 
as a j)iece of marble, in great contrast to the dark, 
beautifully arched eyebrows and waves of dark, 
rich brown hair, carried back from the low, broad, 
full brow. 

And Gordon Ralston — as he listened to that 
voice his whole being changed. The cold, stern, 
proud look on his face passed away. 

5 


80 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


He sat like one entranced. He forgot where he 
was. He forgot everything, save that voice. 
And, when the last sweet notes died away on 
the holy Sabbath stillness, a half-audible sigh 
escaped his lips. 

He raised his eyes again to the face of his 
young wife, but she was not looking at him. But, 
as if there was magnetism in his gaze, she turned 
her face full upon him. 

A soft reflection of yellow-tinted glass was 
resting over her dark face, which for a moment 
made her look almost beautiful. 

Gordon smiled back on her, and he saw the 
soft, shy blushes stealing over her face to the very 
temples. She dropped her veil. She sang no 
more that morning. After church she and Miss 
J oe walked quietly home. 

In the evening Kate went for a walk. In 
passing through the hall she saw Mr. Kalston 
enter his own room, at the door of which he 
dropped an exquisite little bouquet of sweet violets. 

These were her favorite flowers. She waited 
in the shadow of a doorway, for some time, 
thinking he would miss them and return for 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


81 


them, but he did not ; and she went softly and 
picked them up. 

She looked up and down the hall to see if she 
had been observed by any one, and, thinking she 
had not, she laid them in her bosom, and glided 
gently out into the warm evening sunshine. She 
went slowly down the gravel walk, and out to the 
river. ‘ 

It was here she came to think. It seemed to 
her, poor, lonely child, as if the little merry 
waves dashing upon the rocks at her feet seemed 
to be endowed with feeling and speech. “For 
truly the laughing waves have a language of 
their own.” 

And, when she talked to them, they seemed to 
make low, soft, soothing answers to all her tales 
of woe. 

She drew the sweet violets from her bosom, 
and inhaled their sweetness; then pressed them to 
her heart. 

She picked off one little blossom, and threw it 
on the bosom of the dancing wave, saying as she 
did so: “You may have one, just one; but do not 
ask me for any more. I cannot spare them.” 


82 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


And again she pressed them to her bosom 
and kissed them like a child, that she was. 

How dare you, madam, take such privileges 
with my property?” said a low, deep, rich voice at 
her side. 

Kate started quickly, raised her eyes, and 
saw Gordon Ralston, her husband, standing there, 
looking down upon her. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


83 


CHAPTER VIIL 

NOT PITY; BUT LOVE. 

HERE was no cold, proud look on Gordon 



Jl. Ralston’s face now, but a look of almost 
passionate tenderness, as the steel-blue eyes 
looked down into the eyes of gray upturned to 
his face. 

Kate tried to rise from the rock upon which 
she was seated, but Gordon Ralston bade her sit 
still, and he took a seat by her side. “ Say, little 
one, where did you get those violets ? Are they 
not beautiful ? ” 

I found them at your door, sir, and they are 
very beautiful,” she said, in a low, frightened 
voice, for her heart was beating wildly ; but she 
tried to conceal her emotion from the keen blue 
eyes resting upon her, but she could not do this. 

At length Gordon wound his arm around her 
slender waist and drew her to his breast, and 
imprinted a kiss upon the smooth, pale brow, 
saying— 


84 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Mj noble, long-suffering, much-enduring little 
wife, you love me just a little, do you not?” 

But Kate made him no reply ; but, releasing 
herself, she hung her young head. 

In the act of drawing her to his breast, Gordon 
had caused the hood to fall back, and her comb 
had gone with it. And when she bowed her 
young head on her breast, her beautiful, dark- 
brown hair rippled in soft, rich waves over her 
shoulders, and rested on the rocks at Gordon's 
feet. ^^Ah ! see how awkward I have been,” said 
he, gathering up the rich mass and twining it in a 
coil at the back of her head, as he had often seen 
his mother do. Then reaching for the jet comb, 
he confined it securely. Then, lifting her face so 
he could look into her eyes, he said : 

Kate, my little wife, have you no answer for 
my question ? ” 

What answer shall I make you, Mr. Kalston ? ” 
she at length said. 

There was grief, reproach, and hauteur all 
depicted in that look. ^^You ask me if I love 
you. Did I not give you proof of that love, when 
I vowed before God and man to love, honor, and 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


85 


you? But, Mr. Ralston, why have you 
come to me now with endearing words, when I 
had almost schooled my heart to give you up, and 
leave dear old Wimberlie house, where I have 
spent so many happy hours ? Oh ! please leave me 
now while I have the strength to bid you go. Do 
not let any feelings of pity bring you to me. For, 
be assured, I can live without and do not want 
your pity. But as things now stand between us, 
I am glad of this opportunity of making a proposi- 
tion to you,” and as she spoke she turned her face 
away, so that Mr. Ralston might not see the tears 
that coursed down the pale, thin cheeks. 

But he knew she was weeping, and he sooth- 
ingly said, ^^What proposition did you wish to 
make to me, darling?” 

At first Kate could not answer ; but at length 
she found voice to say, “ My proposition is this : 
that you let me go quietly from Wimberlie house 
on Thursday with aunt J oe.” 

^^And do you really wish to go from me, little 
one ? ” he said, pressing the little hand on which 
rested the ruby ring his mother had once worn, 
and as his eyes rested on the sparkling gem, he 


86 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


pressed the hand to his heart and then to his lips, 
and said, Oh, Kate, you whom my dear mother 
chose as my bride, do you really wish to leave 
me?” 

^^Yes, Mr. Kalston, it is my wish, for I know 
you will be happier when I am gone. It is 
months now since your sainted mother was laid to 
rest on the hill yonder, and I now know that you 
wedded me merely to gratify the last wishes of 
the dead. And so, if you have no objections, I 
will leave Wimberlie house and go with aunt 
Joe.” 

But what if I object to your leaving Wim- 
berlie house?” said Gordon, gently looking down 
on the brown head in tenderness. 

Then, Mr. Ralston, I shall go anyway.” And 
he knew she meant what she said, for her voice 
was strong, clear, full, and decided. 

Look into my face, little one,” said Gordon, 
while I tell you something ; then, if it is still 
your wish to go from Wimberlie house and me, 
you can do so. I will deal candidly with you. 
When my mother proposed my marrying you, I 
was greatly shocked, for it was so sudden and 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


87 


unexpected. I did not love you, I did not know 
you, and for many weeks I was very miserable. 
I could not act a lie, I could not take you to my 
heart then. But for months I have been studying 
your character, and each day I have found myself 
growing more and more interested in you until 
now I feel I cannot live without you. It is not 
pity, darling Kate, that makes me wish you to 
remain at Wimberlie house, but pure, unselfish 
love. The first love of my heart given to any 
woman save my sainted mother who rests quietly 
on the hill yonder.” 

While he had been speaking, Kate had gradu- 
ally turned her face upon his, and she saw truth 
beaming from the blue eyes, and her head fell 
upon his breast and the lids veiled the beautiful 
eyes, and the long, dark lashes rested on the 
marble cheeks. 

At first Gordon Ralston thought his young wife 
had fainted, she rested there so long. At lengtli 
he lifted the weary little head, and imprinted the 
first kiss on her lips. 

She drew back like a frightened bird, and said 
^‘ Oh, Mr. Ralston, please do not raise hopes in my 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


breast that can never be realized. Do you not see 
I am not a suitable mate for you? I have no 
name, no family, no wealth, no beauty to bring to 
you — you who have everything to make your life 
bright, beautiful, and happy. I do not blame you, 
Mr. Ralston, but it is my own thoughtlessness 
that has brought all this sorrow to us both. But 
I did not mean it ; and now let me ask you to for- 
give me and let me depart in peace. The laws of 
the land will make you free, and you will soon 
forget that the wretched, forlorn Kate Blackburn 
ever lived and suffered on earth,” and she covered 
her face with her hands, and sob after sob shook 
her frame. 

There, my wife, my angel one, do not weep 
so ; I cannot endure it,” said Gordon, sorrowfully. 
“ What do I care for family or wealth ? You are a 
fortune within yourself. What do I care for 
beauty of face or form, when I look into the win- 
dows of your soul, and see the gentleness and 
sweetness of the angels dwelling therein? And 
now, my dear wife, sweetest name ever falling 
from lips of man, do you still wish to leave me ? 
If so, I will not oppose you. But I will be very 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


89 


miserable when you are gone. I know I deserve 
all this in your eyes, but nevertheless the blow 
will fall none the less lightly. To-day, when I 
went to the old stone church on the hill, and saw 
you sitting in the housekeeper’s pew, and saw the 
eyes of the whole congregation fixed on you and 
me, it seemed as if I should die of mortification at 
my own thoughtlessness, for I thought to find you 
in our family pew, which my mother occupied for 
so many years. And then I asked myself if my 
conduct towards you had been such as would 
warrant you in taking your proper place there. 
And I left the church with a full determination of 
having an understanding with you immediately. 
And now, my dear wife, what is your decision?” 

“Mr. Ralston, are you willing to overlook my 
lonely, nameless condition, and present me to the 
world and your friends? In after years, I may 
have relatives claim me for their kinswoman that 
would be objectionable to you, and that would be 
very humiliating to one occupying your proud 
position in society,” said Kate, thoughtfully. 

“Let come what may,” he said, tenderly, “I 
care not for the world and what it may say. If 
ever you find your fiimily, I feel sure they are no 


90 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


common people. You do not have the appearance 
of a woman of inferior origin.” 

Then,” said Kate, while a holy light shone 
from her beautiful eyes, I will remain at Wim- 
berlie house, and with you. And I earnestly 
hope and trust you will never repent taking me to 
your heart and love.” Then she drew from her 
neck the chain and locket Miss Joe had given her, 
and placed them in her husband’s hands. This, 
Mr. Ralston,” said she, ^^is the only clue I have 
of ever finding out who I am.” 

He took the trinkets, and looked long and 
earnestly at them. A strange thought for a 
moment came over him — a feeling as if he had 
seen this locket before, or had heard some story to 
remind him of it. But he could not settle it in 
his mind what it was. It was like some half- 
forgotten dream. Then he lifted his hands, and 
playfully clasping the chain around her neck, 
he said : 

There, my darling wife, with this chain I 
bind you to my heart,” and he drew her to his 
bosom, and showered warm kisses on her brow 
and lips. 

Love is a great beautifier; and Kate’s dark. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


91 


swarthy face lighted up, and the large mouth, 
with its beautifully-chiselled lips, was wreathed in 
a glad, happy smile, showing two rows of teeth 
almost rivalling purest pearl. And Gordon, with 
the warm light of newly-awakened love, thought 
she was very lovely with her pure, sweet, childish, 
innocent ways. 

They sat there by the river talking until a 
golden flush overspread the western sky, and until 
that changed into purple, followed by the dull 
gray tints that warned them night was coming on. 
Then they arose, and Gordon linked his young 
wife’s arm in his own, and they went slowly on 
towards Wimberlie house. At the gate they met 
Miss Joe, who was beginning to be uneasy at her 
darling’s prolonged absence ; and she had started 
out in quest of her, when she saw them coming 
slowly towards her. 

She saw by the happy, confiding manner of 
Kate that all was well between her and her young 
husband, and with a happy cry she fell upon her 
knees and thanked the Giver of all blessings.” 

It would not be so hard now to leave her dar- 
ling, since she was surrounded with the sunshine 
of Gordon Ralston’s love. 


92 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER IX. 

DISQUIET. 

I T was a raw, cold, stormy day in March. 

Frank Brent sat propped with pillows. His 
thin, pale features were in great contrast to J ulia’s, 
who sat at her window watching the passers-by, 
hoping to catch a glimpse of Mr. Ralston, to whom 
she had written to come and take her home to 
Wimberlie house. 

“ For whom and what are you looking so 
earnestly?” said Frank, very feebly. 

^^No one, or nothing in particular,” Julia 
replied, while a deep frown settled over the dark, 
beautiful face. 

Just then a servant knocked at the door. Julia 
bid her come in. It was the smart little" house- 
maid with a letter for Miss Julia. 

She took the letter, glanced at the superscrip- 
tion, and hastily tore open the envelope. Her 
face blanched to marble whiteness, and dark rings 
settled around her eyes. Her hands worked 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


93 


nervously^ and the crimson blood flowed from the 
white compressed lips. The letter was from 
Gordon Ralston, and ran as follows : 

“ WiMBERLiE House, March 10, 18 — . 

Dear and Fairest Cousin: — I am in 
receipt of your letter of the 6th. I am very much 
pleased to learn that Frank is convalescent. It will 
be impossible for me to be in Richmond before the 
1st of May. Business of the utmost importance 
requires my immediate presence in New Orleans. 
You had better remain with Frank until we 
return. Miss Carlock has gone to Norfolk, and 
Kate, my beloved wife, will accompany me. 
Dear Julia, congratulate me in my new-found 
happiness. My Kate, my darling wife, is a 
treasure of more value than pearls. 

R." 

When Frank saw Julia’s ghastly face, and the 
red stream of her life’s blood on her lips, he sprang 
up, w^eak and trembling as an infant learning to 
take its first steps, and hastened to her side. 

The letter had fallen from her nerveless fingers 
into her lap. Frank gathered it up, and tottered 
rather than walked to the bell-pull. In a few 


94 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


seconds, the same little housemaid made her 
appearance in answer to his violent ring. 

‘^Tell Mrs. Talbert to come to my sister at 
once. I fear she is dying.” 

Lucy, the bright little mulatto, did not let the 
grass grow under her nimble feet, but flew to her 
mistress with the news that Massa Frank and 
Miss Julia were both dead, and that Massa 
Frank’s ghost was standing at the bell-pull. 

Mrs. Talbert was an elderly widow lady, with 
whom Frank had boarded ever since he had 
entered Mr. Leland’s office. 

She owned her beautiful home, but was com- 
pelled to keep a few gentlemen boarders, to 
supply her table. Mr. Leland had boarded with 
her ten years. At the end of each year he had 
said to himself, I will ask Mrs. Talbert to marry 
me to-morrow, and we will begin the new year 
together.” But when the morrow came, this old 
bachelor lawyer, who could stand and plead a 
case with such glowing eloquence in a crowded 
court-room, was as shy and bashful as a young 
school-girl reading her first composition. 

Strange,” he said, once to himself, how very 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


95 


timid the women have become since Mother Eve’s 
time. She just took the apple to Adam, and 
asked him to eat, and he did so. Now, if little 
Mrs. Talbert should come to me and say, ^ Leland, 
I want you to marry me,’ I should certainly do so. 
Well, well, I will wait and see.” 

This little motherly widow was soon in Frank’s 
room. When she saw the extreme whiteness of 
his face, she exclaimed, Mr. Brent, what has 
happened ?” 

^^Look to my sister, Mrs. Talbert; I fear she 
is dead.” Then he sank on his bed from sheer 
exhaustion. 

Mrs. Talbert waited for no second bidding, but 
lifted the pale, half-dying girl in her arms and 
bore her to a sofa, and laid her down gently. 
She applied the necessary restoratives, and Julia 
soon opened her eyes, and began to breathe freely. 
Mrs. Talbert gave her brandy and salt, and the 
hemorrhage soon ceased. 

Call a physician at once, Mrs. Talbert.” 

No, no,” said Julia, who now arose to a sitting 
position. I feel better now, much better. It is 

nothing; I am subject to such attacks, and Mrs. 

6 


96 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Talbert has administered the remedies I always 
use ; so pray do not feel alarmed.” 

But I do feel alarmed/’ said Frank, looking 
on her pale face with a feeling of pity ; for, 
although he had but little love for this proud, 
imperious girl, yet his kind, warm heart was 
always full of tenderness to any one of the oppo- 
site sex, when he thought them in trouble in any 
way, and he said : 

If you are subject to these alarming attacks, 
it is very strange that I have been kept in igno- 
rance of the fact. I think, when I am strong 
enough to travel, I will take you to Florida or 
New Orleans. I fear our rigorous Yirginia winters 
are too severe for you.” 

By this time Mrs. Talbert had left the room. 

When left alone, J ulia turned her flashing 
black eyes on her brother, and said : 

“ Did you dare to read my letter?” 

‘^No, Julia, I did not read your letter. But I 
see from the superscription that it is from Gordon 
Kalston. And X think this letter was the cause 
of your sudden illness. Now, pray tell me what 
it contains,” and his eyes never left her face. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


97 


She looked down and reflected for a moment, 
and then answered, “You are mistaken, brother, 
in your surmises. The letter is from Gordon, and 
brings the most joyful tidings imaginable. You 
can read for yourself” 

Frank was anxious to hear news of Kate, whose 
name he never mentioned. And he opened the 
letter, and read it to the end. His feeble hands 
trembled violently, and when he had finished he 
folded the letter, and handed it back to Julia. 

“Why are you so agitated?” And a malicious 
smile played over her dark, beautiful face. 

“ If I show any agitation, it does not spring 
from the same cause that yours did,” he replied, 
after some moments’ thought. “ You are greatly 
excited, because Gordon has taken his young and 
lovely wife to his heart. If I show any agitation, 
it is because I wish her well. For I think her 
one of the purest women that ever lived and had 
her being on earth. I am deeply interested in 
her happiness, and while I have an arm to wield 
a blow in her defence, I will do so. Do not think 
because'fl asked her to be my wife, and was 
refused, I have lost all interest in her. She is as 


98 A HEART TWICE WON. 

pure and lovely to me now as she was before she 
ever became Gordon Ralston’s wife.” 

How very chivalrous you are^ Mr. Brent ! In 
love with another man’s wife/’ said J ulia, with a 
sneer. 

I suppose you do not love the same woman’s 
husband ? ” said Frank, dryly. ^'And now, J ulia, 
let me tell you now, and for all time, never 
interfere with Kate Ralston’s happiness. If you 
do, you will rue it, in dust and ashes. I have 
seen, from the time we went down to Wimberlie 
house, to attend aunt Julia’s funeral, that you 
were anxious to keep Gordon and Kate apart. 
You have indulged in a wild, mad dream of seeing 
them separated, and of then trying your powers 
of winning Gordon yourself. And now, that they 
are united, in love as well as name, that wild, mad 
dream is dispelled, and the awakening has nearly 
cost you your life.” 

Frank saw Julia was terribly agitated, and he 
forbore to say more for the present. 

Julia leaned back on the sofa, pale and trem- 
bling, and burst into tears. These are my thanks 
for days and weeks of nursing and watchful 


A HEART TWICE WON. 99 

care/^ said she, after she had gained control over 
her feelings. 

As we have before said, Fraifk was very soft- 
hearted where women were concerned. And, at 
the sight of J ulia’s tears, he said : 

Julia, you know I love every thing tender, 
delicate and sweet in woman ; and for your devo- 
tion to me, if you gave me any, while I was ill, I 
am very thankful. But it was not my wish to 
have you here. Mr. Leland took the responsi- 
bility on himself of sending for you. ' But, as 
things at Wimberlie house have shaped them- 
selves as they have, I am glad you are here. 
For if you had remained there, to exert your 
influence over Gordon, Kate would still have 
been his wife but in name.” 

Frank,” said Julia, after a time, ^^why do you 
misjudge me so? You know, I wish, above all 
things, to see cousin Gordon happy, and if he 
finds happiness in the love of his wife, of another’s 
choosing, it is nothing to me, I am sure. But 1 
do think that Gordon, with his. vast wealth and 
standing in society, should have married with the 
noblest in the land. But only think, this girl is 


100 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


without a name, without family, or even beauty. 
They are badly matched, and nothing good will 
ever come of this unequal marriage.” 

Let us hope good will come of it,” said Frank, 
gently. ^^She is just the kind of a girl to marry. 
She can never accuse Gordon of squandering her 
fortune. And he will never be bothered with her 
relations- 'and a mother-in-law. But Kate is far 
from being ugly. She possesses a tall, graceful 
figure, a magnificent suit of dark brown hair, 
eyes such as the angels must have, a voice as 
powerful, as thrilling and sweet as the nightin- 
gale ; and in time ^ her muddy, dark complexion 
will clear up, and her form will become round and 
full. She will be a magnificent creature.’ She 
will outrival you in beauty, my sister, and I must 
say, you are the most beautiful woman I ever 
looked upon.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


101 


CHAPTER X. 

A NEW ENEMY. 

I T was a lovely day in the latter parjj/ of April. 

The sky looked warm and blue, ttud spring, 
with her soft, gentle winds, had come, bringing 
with it sweet-scented flowers and bright green 
leaves. 

On this lovely day Frank returned to his office. 
He had not left the house more than an hour, 
when a gentleman rang the bell and asked for 
Miss Brent. 

He was a tall, dark-complexioned man, between 
fifty and sixty years of age, with a heavy, grayish 
moustache. He wore no beard. 

He was rather gaudily dressed for a gentleman, 
and a man of his age. To meet him on the street, 
the first thought would be a fine-looking man; 
but a closer observation of his countenance would 
give a person capable of reading the human char- 
acter the impression that he was a bad man, and 


102 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


a man that would stoop to crime to accomplish 
his own designs. 

This person was shown into Mrs. Talbert’s cozy 
parlor by Lucy, and asked to be seated. 

Then she tripped lightly up-stairs to Julia’s 
room with the information, 

gemmen is in de parlor to see you, Miss 

Julia.” 

^^To see me?” said Julia, glancing in the 
mirror. ^^Did he give his name, Lucy?” 

No, miss ; he merely ax’ for Miss Brent, and 
I ax’ed him in de parlor.” 

What kind of a looking person is he, Lucy?” 

Can’t say. Miss J ulia ; but he look powerful 
like you. De same black hair and eyes — sure 
enough.” 

^^Like me? how absurd!” said Julia, casting 
an admiring glance at her dark, beautiful face, 
reflected in the mirror before her. 

Tell the gentleman I will be down in a few 
minutes.” 

When left to herself, Julia sank into a chair, 
and a strange light shone in her black eyes, and 
a peculiar expression rested on her fine, oval face. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


103 


When she reached the parlor, and softly opened 
the door, her heart almost ceased to beat, as she 
caught a glimpse of her visitor. 

Then subduing all emotion, she swept into the 
room with easy grace, and paused before the 
gentleman, saying : 

To whom am I indebted for this visit ? ” 

The gentleman lifted his head. Their eyes met. 
Then as if she was drawn to his side by some 
magnetic power, over which she had no control, 
she drew near him and laid a soft, white hand on 
his arm. Her face was now very pale ; her voice 
trembled as the white, compressed lips uttered 
the words : 

^ Wou are my father.” 

The visitor smiled down on her — for at her 
entrance he had risen — and said : 

You are correct, my most beautiful Julia; I 
am your father. Keturned after so many years 
wandering.” 

But how is it we all thought you dead ? My 
mother died with that impression,” said Julia, 
after looking at him long and earnestly. 

^^It is a long story, my beautiful girl, and if 


104 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


you wish to hear it, close that door, and I will 
explain something to you.” 

Julia went and closed the door,* and softly 
turned the key. Then she drew a hassock to her 
father’s feet, and seated herself to listen to any 
explanation he had to make. 

He began by stating that when he left her 
mother, eleven years before, he had wandered to 
California, and shortly after reaching there, he 
had heard of the death of his wife and of Mrs. 
Wimberlie’s care of herself and Frank ; and being 
without means, he could not return. 

Then you know there is another reason for 
my long silence. 

^•You have heard of Mr. Flubbard’s death, 
cashier of the Planter’s Bank, who was murdered, 
and it was supposed I had done the deed, until 
they found what they supposed to be my remains, 
floating in the waters of the river. 

I did not kill Hubbard, but it was a lucky 
thing for me that I threw the authorities on the 
scent. I did : so when the body was found, and the 
features so black and swollen, that they could not 
be recognized, the body, enveloped in my linen, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


105 


was taken to Wimberlie and buried; while I, 
the supposed dead, was speeding on the deep. 
Even now I must lie close. 

“ But I felt as if I must look on the face of my 
child once more.’’ 

^^And do you not want to see Frank?” said 
Julia, after a time. 

Oh, yes ! The boy. I had nearly forgotten 
him. I was in hopes to have found him dead. 
Then there would have been one less between me 
and a brilliant inheritance.” 

You speak strangely,” said Julia. ^^How can 
Frank stand in your way?” 

Then, bending his head closer to her, he revealed 
a strange story. After it was told, Julia lifted a 
face to his as pale as death, and said : 

^^Can this be true?” and even she shuddered 
at the tale of cunning, cruel craft he had practised 
to gain position. 

But does not F^ank have some faint remem- 
brance of some of the events you have told to me ? 
He must have been five years of age, at the time 
of which you speak.” 

When I first left England with him, lie remem- 


106 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


bered all the particulars ; but, after the wreck, he 
never alluded to anything of the past. Nearly all 
on board were lost. But, after I gained the shore, 
I found him, stunned and bleeding from a wound 
in the temple. 

I took him home and called him my child, and 
he took to calling me papa; just as you did. 

merely told my poor wife that I had rescued 
him from the wreck. She had not the faintest 
idea as to who he was. 

She took him to her heart at once. And 
when he was nine years of age, he knew not but 
what he was Frank Brent, and your brother. And 
now I must keep out of his way, for fear the sight 
of me may awaken old memories. In case of any- 
thing of that kind occurring, he would have to be 
got out of the way. And I would rather get 
along without that, if I could,” said the man, while 
a placid smile curled his handsomely-chiselled lip. 
^^Let him dicker away at law with old Leland, 
and make what he can of himself, so he does 
not turn up at the wrong time and in the wrong 
place.” 

‘^And now,” said Julia, ^‘let me tell you about 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


107 


a little girl, two years of age, rescued from the 
same vessel, by a man near Norfolk, and given in 
charge of his sister. 

This same sister has been housekeeper at 
Wimberlie for the past ten years, having her pro- 
tegee with her. And the crowning act of aunt 
Julia’s life was to have her become Gordon 
Kalston’s wife. 

Could aunt Julia have suspected anything? 
Was there anything about the child by which she 
could be identified ? ” 

The man calling himself Brent sprang to his 
feet, and an ashy grayishness crept into his face. 
The black eyes seemed set in their sockets. 

Julia caught him by the arm, and said, Ke- 
member where you are ! And do not call out ! ” 

This timely warning recalled the man’s senses 
at once, and he said : 

“ This is something beyond which I never 
looked. I supposed the child to be sleeping 
beneath the waves, these many years. And 
now, what did Mrs. Wimberlie know? And how 
many know who this girl is, that has married 
the heir apparent to Dalhurst?” 


108 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


He clasped his hands behind him, and walked 
up and down the room in a state of frenzy. 

do not think,” said Julia, ^‘that if aunt 
Julia had any suspicions, that she ever made them 
known. Gordoh does not know. And, come to 
think of it, that must have been the revelation she 
had to make to Gordon on the night of her death ; 
but her tongue was paralyzed before she ever gave 
utterance to that knowledge. And it was a good 
thing for our plans, my father, that it was so.” 

Brent stopped before his daughter. There was 
a peculiar ring in her voice as she said ‘‘our 
plans , that made him look into her eyes. And 
what did he see there ? He saw a spirit as 
ambitious, as daring and unscrupulous, as his own, 
and he said : 

^^And what are your plans, my daughter? Per- 
haps we can unite our efforts, and bring things 
about as we wish. And my lovely daughter will 
yet wear the Dalhurst diamonds, which are a 
fortune in themselves. How the rare rubies would 
shine with your clear, dark complexion!” 

Julia’s red lips parted in a smile of anticipation, 
and the black eyes gleamed like stars. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


109 


^^Sit down again, and I will tell you. I love 
Gordon Ralston with all my soul, and had he not 
been bound to this girl, I should have won him ; 
for he is very fond of me in a brotherly way, and 
with a little managing, I could have had him at 
my feet. Now my plan is this: get him separated 
from this girl, who is so wrapt up in him that she 
will then make way with herself; and if she does 
not, we will make way with her — for Gordon has 
peculiar notions about marriage and divorces. 
While she lives, he will never ask another woman 
to be his wife. I do not think he loves her very 
much ; in fact, it was duty alone that made him 
take her to his bosom. And if Frank had not 
got sick, and I could have remained at Wiin- 
berlie, she would yet be his wife but in name. 
And now, if you will keep out of the way, I 
swear to accomplish all this, and become Gordon’s 
wife wdthin one year. But we must keep an 
eye on Frank — he is very shrewd. He seems to 
read my very thoughts. And what do you think ? 
he asked this same Kate to be his wife. He loves 
her very much. How strange!” said Julia, in a 
musing tone. 


110 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


It was now drawing near the luncheon hour, 
and Mr. Brent thought it best to take his leave, 
as he did not wish to meet Frank or Mr. Leland. 
He promised to see J ulia again as soon as he 
could. 

Now, mind,” said J ulia, “ never let it be known 
that you are my father. With you living, Gordon 
will never call me wife.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Ill 


CHAPTER XL 

A TREACHEROUS COMPANION. 

T he first of May found Gordon Ralston and 
his young wife at Wimberlie house again. 
They had spent the month of April very hap- 
pily in the Crescent City. But one little incident 
occurred to mar Kate’s happiness. 

A day or two after their arrival at the St. Charles, 
they strolled into one of the public parlors, and the 
first person they met was the former housekeeper 
at Wimberlie house, formerly Miss Joe Carlock, 
but now Mrs. Halbert Wathon. 

Kate gave a low, glad cry, and sprang forward 
to the arms that had sheltered her for so many 
years. 

Oh ! dear aunt Joe ! what a happy surprise ! 
How little I thought to meet you here ! ” 

Mrs. Wathon pushed the brown hair back from 
the low, broad brow of her darling, and pressed 
her lips to hers, while the happy tears stood in her 

mild blue eyes. Mrs. Wathon replied : 

7 


112 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


The surprise is mutual, iny dear Kate ; for I 
do not know when I may see you again, unless 
Mr. Kalston brings you to England. We sail for 
Liverpool to-morrow, and will settle at a place 
called Rose Manor, near Dallmrst Castle.” 

^^Near Dalhurst Castle? Why, that is your 
uncle’s home, Mr. Ralston; and if we go there 
next year, I will get to see dear aunt Joe often, 
won’t I?” said Kate, clapping her hands in child- 
ish delight, and looking in to her proud young 
husband’s face. 

But the sweet smile faded from her face when 
she saw the cold, haughty expression resting on 
his; and the voice was cold and proud which 
answered her : 

“Perhaps so.” 

Just then a fine-looking gentleman entered the 
parlor, with a young girl leaning on his arm. 

Mrs. Wathon duly presented them, as “ My hus- 
band, Mr. Wathon, and our niece. Miss Florence 
Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston, of Virginia.” 

Mr. Ralston bowed in acknowledgment of the 
introduction, while Kate shook hands with Mr. 
Wathon, and expressed her pleasure at meeting 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


113 


them ; and, looking into his kind and noble bronzed 
face, she felt she would like him. 

Florence Howard was a girl of seventeen sum- 
mers, small in figure, and as graceful as a white 
lily, with clear, beaming blue eyes, and a small, 
well-shaped head, crowned with a wealth of pale, 
rich, sunny golden hair. And when Kate looked 
into her clear, truthful eyes, she thought, I shall 
love you, I know.” 

Ah ! how little these two young girls — standing 
there and looking into each other’s eyes — dreamed 
of events to take place in after years, in which 
they 'vvould play a prominent part ! 

As soon as he could, with due respect to etiquette 
and good breeding, Mr. Ralston led Kate from the 
room. But she had promised aunt Joe to spend 
the evening with her in her private parlor. 

When they reached their rooms, Kate turned to 
her husband and said, What have I done to dis- 
please you, Mr. Ralston?” and her pure, truthful 
gray eyes looked into his. 

And the troubled look left his face almost in- 
stantly, as he stooped and pressed a kiss upon her 
brow. 


114 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


It is nothing now, my darling. Let it pass. 
But you know, as my wife, you hold a proud and 
exalted position in society; and I cannot forget 
that this Mrs. Wathon was once my mother’s house- 
keeper.” 

Kate stepped back from Gordon Ralston, and 
the sweet, confiding look left her eyes, and the 
color faded from her cheeks and lips, and the 
young head was bowed upon her breast. 

A moment later, and the voice that replied fo 
him was cold, strange and unnatural. 

Perhaps, Mr. Ralston, j^ou cannot forget that 
this same Mrs. Wathon has been to me as a 
mother all through the years of my helpless child- 
hood. It was for my sake, that I might have 
bread to eat, and clothes to keep me warm, that 
she assumed the duties of a menial in your 
mother’s house. She is a lady by birth and educa- 
tion, and one of God’s noblest, at heart. And if I 
was a queen on a throne, I could never spurn the 
hand that toiled for my bread. 

“ You found me poor, and without a name, but 
I hope with a grateful heart ; and until that heart 
is silenced in death, aunt Joe will ever be loved, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


115 


revered and honored, as one of the dearest, truest 
friends on earth.” And as she spoke, her eyes 
glowed like brilliant stars, and the brown head 
was thrown proudly back, and the beautifully 
chiselled lips quivered with grief and wounded 
pride. 

And with all his pride of birth, Gordon Ralston 
could not help but admire his young wife’s noble- 
ness of soul. He said : 

My darling Kate, you are right. It was 
wrong of me to speak as I did, and I hope you 
will forgive me. I am glad you are of a noble, 
generous nature, and will also acknowledge that 
you have every reason in the world for loving Mrs. 
Wathon. And if you will forgive me, I will never 
speak of this again.” 

And so, poor, sweet, confiding Kate sealed her 
forgiveness with a kiss. 

She spent the evening with Mrs. Wathon, and 
learned of all that had taken place since aunt Joe 
had left Wimberlie house. She learned that 
Mr. Wathon would spend his remaining days in 
England, at his beautiful home known as Rose 
Manor. 


116 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Rose Manor had been the property of Mr. 
Wathon’s employer in Australia, and as he had 
no relatives, at his death he bequeathed all his 
wealth and Rose Manor to his head clerk, pro- 
viding he lived at the manor and kept it in its 
original beauty. 

And Mrs. Wathon said, am so glad, little 
sea-bird, that I coaxed Hally to adopt dear 
Florence. We are getting old, and I have lost 
you, but she, in a measure, will take your place, 
but not entirely, my little sea-bird, for you hold a 
place in my heart that none other can fill. But 
Florence is a dear, sweet girl, without any kindred 
ties of blood, save my dear old Hally.” 

^^Oh, aunt Joe, please do not call Mr. Wathon 
and yourself old : why you do not look a day over 
thirty-five ! It seems to me that you have grown 
ten years younger since you left Wimberlie house, 
and I think Mr. Wathon is perfectly splendid.” 

Yes, my little sea-bird, but we are old, never- 
theless ; but I hope to live many years yet. I have 
had so many ups and downs in life, and have 
experienced so many unpleasant changes, that it 
almost seems to me as if I had just commenced to 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


117 


live, as the shadows of years are falling around 
me.” 

Mr. Ralston and Kate went on board the 
steamer the next day to see Mr. Wathon’s party 
off. The separation was very trying and bitter, 
both to Mrs. Wathon and Kate. But Mr. Ralston 
assured Mrs. Wathon, that the next year he 
would bring her sea-bird to see her, and she 
should hear her sing in her new home beyond the 
broad Atlantic. Would he fulfil this promise, or 
when and where would they see each other 
again ? 

Soon they are back at Wimberlie house again. 
It is a bright, soft, warm evening in May, and Mr. 
Ralston bids his young wife adieu for a few days, 
and takes the evening boat for Richmond. He 
has some especial business to attend to with Mr. 
Leland, his lawyer, and he tells Kate he will 
bring Julia home with him. 

A cloud gathers over her face for a moment, as 
she thinks of Julia being at Wimberlie house with 
herself and Mr. Ralston day after day. 

Gordon was quick to see the change in Kate’s 
expressive face, and he gently said, My darling 


I 


118 A HEART TWICE WON. 

wife, have you no place in your sweet, warm 
heart for my sister ? She is all alone in the world, 
as it were. Frank is taken up with his profession, 
and Julia looks upon Wimberlie house as her 
home, and to me as her natural protector. I hope 
my little wife is not jealous,” said he, playfully, 
touching her brow with his lips. 

No, not jealous, Mr. Kalston. I hope there is 
nothing so degrading in my composition. Jeal- 
ousy is a passion that can never find a resting- 
place with pure, unselfish love. Jealousy is a 
phase of insanity, and I should be terribly fright- 
ened if I found myself harboring so insane a pas- 
sion,” and Kate smiled at the thought. 

But she had been so happy since Julia had 
been away from her. And now, remembering 
Frank’s words, “ I fear she will work you harm,” 
the very thoughts of having her back at Wimberlie 
house filled her young soul with a dark and 
gloomy foreboding of coming evil, and cast a 
shadow over the sunshine of her happiness. But 
she kissed her husband good-bye with a smile, and 
after he was gone she tried to shake off this feel- 
ing of gloom, and to anticipate a happy meeting 
with him on his return. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


119 


She spent most of her time during the days of 
Gordon’s absence with aunt Rachel, who now 
bustled from one end of the house to the other, 
rattling her ponderous bunch of keys with a great 
deal of self-complacency, and frowning down on 
the other servants from beneath her shining white 
turban like some heathen goddess. 

A Virginia negress elevated to the dignity of 
housekeeper in her master’s family is a personage 
of much importance in the eyes of all the other 
blacks. But added to this responsible office, aunt 
Rachel had been Gordon’s nurse from infancy, and 
now that Mrs. Wimberlie was dead and Miss Joe 
gone, she felt that she was mistress of the beauti- 
ful and grand old house. But her reign was mild 
and gentle, and she was never happier than when 
her young mistress’ little feet followed her from 
place to place watching and learning, and admi- 
ring the regularity with which the machinery of 
housekeeping was kept in motion. 

Each day Kate received a letter from her 
husband. He wrote that it might be several days 
before he could return, as he was obliged to visit 
Beech wood before he returned, a plantation some 
miles up the river. 


120 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


And so Kate cheerfully set to work to prepare 
a pleasant surprise for Gordon on his return. 

She got her canvas, paints and brushes out, 
and commenced to paint a portrait of his mother, 
as he had last seen her in health. And so, day 
after day glided away, until three weeks had 
passed, and still Gordon had not come. But Kate 
had finished her task. She sent to Richmond by 
Mr. Bristo for a massive frame, and hung a 
masterpiece of work in Gordon’s room. 

He would be home on the morrow, and Julia, 
also, would be there. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


121 


CHAPTER XII. 

TO THE MOUNTAINS. 

T he morning on which Gordon Ralston was 
expected to return with Julia Brent 
dawned bright, soft and balmy. 

Kate was up by the time the first sweet bird 
chirped her morning song. Her soul’s idol would 
soon be with her again. 

She spent more time over her toilet this 
morning than usual. She wore an elegant white 
wrapper, with a crape bow at her throat, with 
bands of the same material at the wrists. 

The rich glossy brown hair was very becomingly 
arranged. 

A cluster of half-opened moss-rose buds was 
twined among the heavy braids, and Letty, her 
little waiting- maid, clapped her hands with 
delight, exclaiming: ^^Oh, Miss Kate! you are so 
han’some this morning. You is an enough sight 
better-looking than Miss J ulia, with her big black 
eyes and scornful airs.” 


122 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Oil, Letty ! how can you talk so when I am so 
very plain?” But, when she looked in her mirror, 
a glow of satisfaction lighted up her face, and her 
heart thrilled strangely and sweetly as she 
thought of him, and for whose sake she had 
arrayed herself And an hour later, when the 
carriage drove up to the entrance, this young 
child-wife presented a very lovely picture to the 
eyes of Mr. Ralston as he alighted and assisted 
Julia to descend. 

And, leading her up the steps to where Kate 
was standing, he folded his young wdfe very 
lovingly in his arms as he said : My darling, it 
is very sweet, this coming home, to find some 
dear one to give me a warm welcome at the 
threshold.” 

Kate involuntarily raised her eyes to Julia’s 
face. It was a ghastly face to look upon ; for, with 
one glance of her keen black eyes, she read that 
in Gordon Ralston’s face which told her he truly 
and sincerely loved the young creature clinging to 
him so fondly. 

Kate held out her hand to welcome Julia back 
to Wimberlie house, asking her if she were ill. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


123 


No, thank you, I am not ill ; but in stepping 
from the carriage I think I wrenched my foot. 
It pains me very much.” 

I am very sorry,” said Kate ; is there any- 
thing I could do for you? Your room is ready, 
and I will call a servant, to show you up to it. 
I am in hopes that you and Mr. Ralston will be 
able to do ample justice to aunt Cindie’s nicely 
cooked breakfast.” 

Thank you, my dear cousin. Do not feel 
troubled about me, for I feel better now,” said 
Julia, as her face assumed a more natural hue. 

But I think I will go to my room at once,” 
which she did. 

Kate followed Gordon to his room, and when 
he opened the door the first thing that caught his 
attention was his mother’s portrait. 

It was so life-like, and so true to nature, that 
he turned pale and faint. So much like his dear 
mother he left the summer before in perfect 
health, even to her dress. 

This was something Gordon had not expected, 
and for a moment he almost felt he was stand- 
ing face to face with the dead. 


124 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Where did you get this, my dear Kate? I 
did not know my mother had sat for it.” 

^‘She did not, Mr. Ralston. I executed the 
work during your absence, thinking it would 
please you.” 

You ? You, my wife ? I did not know you 
possessed genius of this kind. Where and when 
did you learn this beautiful art, or rather when 
and where have you had the practice? for all 
those beautiful gifts are born with us.” 

^Ah, Mr. Ralston, that is another of dear aunt 
Joe’s loving acts. She denied herself many little 
personal comforts, to supply this craving desire 
of mine. My music and painting cost her many 
days of labor ; and if you are pleased with this 
picture, I shall feel that she has bestowed a 
double blessing upon me, which years of devoted 
love could never repay.” 

You are right, my love; we owe Mrs. Wathon 
much,” said Gordon Ralston, folding her to his 
breast, and kissing her upon the brow and lips. 

This gift, my Kate, I prize more than anything 
on earth, except my angel wife.” And the tender 
brown eyes seemed to look down on him in 
happy approval from the portrait on the wall. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


125 


An hour later, Gordon, Kate and Julia met 
at the well-spread breakfast-table. The latter 
seemed to have recovered from her injured foot, 
and appeared in excellent spirits. They lingered 
long around the board, and Gordon unfolded his 
plan for the summer months. 

It was now the first week in June. By the 
fifteenth they would go to the manor house 
among the mountains, and give themselves up to 
the pleasures of fishing and rowing on the bosom 
of the beautiful mountain river, that danced and 
sparkled in freedom between its rock-bound 
shores. 

^^Oh, how delightful that will be!” said Kate, 
while J ulia approved, of course. 

But she would have much preferred a season 
at Niagara and Newport, but this, she knew, was 
out of the question ; for Gordon had lost his 
mother too recently to think of participating in 
the gayeties of a fashionable watering-place; and 
when she thought of what she had at stake, she 
seemed all delight. 

And now Wimberlie house presented a busy 
scene. They would stop a day or two in Rich- 


126 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


mond, and try to get Frank to take a vacation, 
and join their little party. 

Julia had not expected this, and she was filled 
with dread, for fear Frank would accept the 
invitation. She feared him. He could read her 
thoughts too acutely. But her heart was set at 
rest when they reached the Spotswood Hotel, and 
Frank called on them. He was looking very 
pale and thin, and said his physician had advised 
him to leave his books, and take a sea-voyage of 
some length, and it was his intention to sail 
for the Pacific coast early in July. He could not 
conceal the tenderness that shone from his face 
when he beheld Kate, and he did not try. 

Gordon felt sorry for him, and, strange to say, 
when he looked at his wife, he saw the same 
tenderness reflected from her beautiful gray eyes ; 
and he also observed another thing for the first 
time : there was a strong likeness between these 
two, save that Frank was a little darker and 
more sallow. 

Frank made his visit very short, as he had an 
engagement within the hour. When hb arose to 
go, he said he would call again in tl . evening. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


127 


Gordon arose also, saying he would walk with 
him to Mr. Leland’s office. 

When they were alone in the street, Gordon 
said : Frank, as you will not accept an invitation 
to Wimberlie place, I wish I could assist you in 
some way. I am very sorry, indeed, that the 
state of your health makes it necessary for you 
to give up your studies now, when you have 
labored so faithfully for so many months.” 

I am very much obliged to you, Gordon, for 
your kind offer of assistance, and for the interest 
you take in my welfare; but, I think, if I live, 
I shall do quite as well at something else as at 
law. But I have tried what I could do, for aunt 
Julia’s sake.” 

Shortly after Gordon and Frank left the hotel, 
Julia excused herself on the plea of a headache, 
and went to her room. And Kate was left alone. 

After reaching her room, Julia put on her hat, 
and, drawing a heavy black veil over her face, 
w^ent quietly out into the street. She walked 
some distance until she came to a narrow, poor 
street; she entered an old, dilapidated brick tene- 
ment-house, where her father had rooms, and 
8 


128 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


found him within, as he very rarely left the house 
in day-time. 

‘‘This is a surprise, Julia. I thought you at 
Wimberlie house.” 

And then J ulia explained why she was there ; 
and she also informed him of Frank’s expected 
departure for the Pacific coast. 

“And now I want you to do as I direct you. 
If you remember, Gordon Ralston has never seen 
you, so there will be no danger of your being 
recognized. I want you near me at the manor 
house. You can be of great service to me.” 

“In what way can I be of service to you?” said 
Brent, in some surprise. 

“ In this way,” replied his daughter. “ I want 
you to make this girl, who is Gordon Ralston’s 
wife, think you are her father. Work on her 
feelings. Make her take a solemn oath never to 
reveal the fact to her husband. And through you 
and some other means I will accomplish this 
divorce. At one time, I expected to do it through 
Frank, but it is better as it is. He will never 
live to reach the Pacific coast ; then we will be rid 
of him entirely. It seems as if kind fortune is 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


129 


favoring us; for Frank would prove a dangerous 
stumbling-block in my way.” 

my daughter, you should have lived in 
the past dark ages, when the times were rife with 
plotting and bloodshed,” said Brent, admiring the 
bold cunning of his daughter. 

^^And now I must hurry back to the hotel ; for 
I do not care to have it known that I have been 
out.” x\nd after a little further conversation she 
took her leave. 

She reached the Spotswood ” in time to go 
down to dinner with Gordon and Kate. Frank 
called again in the evening, according to promise, 
and seemed in a happier state of mind than in the 
morning. He asked Julia to walk with him a 
block or two, as he had something very particular 
to say to her. She gave a reluctant consent; but 
when she thought it would in all probability be 
the last thing he would ever ask of her, she went 
more readily, perhaps, than she otherwise would 
have done. It is not necessary to relate here the 
purport of their conversation. But as they neared 
the hotel on their return, Frank said : 

Julia, do not forget my warning. Leave 


130 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Gordon Ralston and Kate to themselves, and 
never dare to come between them. If you do, the 
vengeance of God will overtake you.” 

Julia bit her lip and said, ‘^1 have half a mind 
to have you put in a strait-jacket. I think you 
are insane on this one subject. Why should I 
ever want to come between them ? I have one or 
two chances of doing quite as well as if I had mar- 
ried Gordon, and I am sure you ought to know, 
by this time, that I wish them well.” 

That evening when Frank took his leave he 
half-way promised to run up to the manor house 
for a day or two if he could. But he should have 
to be in New York by the first of July, and he 
had several business matters to attend to before 
leaving Richmond for good. After this was 
accomplished, if he had the time, he would join 
them. 

The next day, Gordon having accomplished his 
business, they resumed their journey, going part 
of the way by rail, and finally finishing their 
journey by easy stage. 

The sun was just sinking behind the lofty 
mountain peaks, as the manor house appeared in 


A HEART TWICE WON. ISl 

view, and presented a lovely and picturesque 
appearance, with a background of some of the 
wildest and most beautiful mountain scenery in 
the w^orld. These rugged mountains were clothed 
with the rich green pines and cedars, and the last 
dying rays of the sun, shedding its gold and pur- 
ple tints over all, and the beautiful river with its 
clear depths, bordered with the rich green laurel. 
The scene altogether made a beautiful picture. 
Kate had never been at the manor house, and a 
low, glad cry escaped her lips as she beheld her 
beautiful summer home, with its dark, gray stone 
walls. Involuntarily she exclaimed : 

Oh, how beautiful the mountains are ! One 
can scarcely realize the glory and power of God, 
until they see the towering mountains made by 
his hands, and clothed in all their rich and rare 
beauty ! ” 

They were expected, and the overseer had 
everything prepared for them. There was quite 
a hirm belonging to the manor house, with several 
negroes to work it. There were plenty of nice 
horses to ride. A neat little boat-house, with 
several snug little boats moored inside ; and here 


132 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Kate felt that one could live and dream the 
summer months away, and be almost tempted to 
forget that there was a paradise bej^ond this lovely 
mountain home. 

Kate never was so happy in all her young life 
as she was at the end of her first week’s stay at 
the manor house. And now, for a time, we will 
leave them, while the glorious sunlight of love 
lingers with her and her husband, and carry j^ou, 
gentle reader, beyond the broad Atlantic, and 
introduce to you other characters who have a part 
to play in this strange narrative. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

^‘rose manor.” 

ALHURST CASTLE was situated in the 



north of England, and was built during the 
reign of Elizabeth. It was one of the noblest and 
most imposing piles built during her reign. 

This magnificent structure now belonged to 
Robert Ralston, ninth Earl of Dalhurst. He was 
now nearly sixty years of age, but he looked 
much older. Grief, most poignant and bitter, 
had bleached his once raven locks to snowy 
whiteness, and the form that had been once 
proud and commanding was now bent; but the 
keen and intelligent black eyes had lost none of 
their youthful brilliancy. 

On this lovely July day, when we first present 
them to our reader, as he sits in his handsome 
and well-appointed library, his active brain is 
racked with the keenest pain, as he touches a 
silver bell at his right hand. 

Tell the Countess I wish her piresence in the 


134 


A HEART T^YICE WON. 


library/’ he said to the footman who answered his 
ring. 

The footman bowed low and respectfully, and 
departed. 

Shortly afterwards a lady, dressed in deep 
mourning, entered. She was, perhaps, forty years 
of age, tall and commanding, and exquisitely pro- 
portioned. But the rich, glossy nut-brown hair 
was thickly sprinkled with gray. 

The Earl arose with courtly grace at her 
entrance, and went forward to meet her; and, 
taking her arm, he led her to her favorite chair. 
Then he drew his own chair near her and said : 

Lady Ealston, I am going to London the day 
after to-morrow, and cannot I induce you, for this 
once, to accompany me ? It is now sixteen years 
since a great sorrow came upon us, and in all 
that time you have never left the castle grounds 
but once, and that was when our sister-in-law 
was here ; and we went and spent a few weeks at 
Courteney Hall. Now, come, dear Lady Ealston, 
promise me that you will go with me. If you 
knew the pain it gives me to leave you here alone 
with domestics, I am sure you would consent.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


135 


But the Countess shook her head, and said, 
Oh, Robert, how can you ask me to leave Dal- 
hurst, and enter the gay world again, when my 
poor heart lies buried in the graves of our chil- 
dren ! It is true, as you often tell me, that other 
mothers have lost their children ; but few mothers 
have had trials like mine. We had but the two 
— our noble, manly Lyric, and oiir winsome little 
Katherine. Then the horrible death they died ! 
And after searching for them vainly for ten days, 
then to find them floating on the bosom of the 
lake, swollen and disfigured, with their tender 
flesh torn and devoured by the fish ! ” and she 
put her hands up to her face to try to shut out 
the horrid vision that arose before her. 

There, my dear,” said the Earl, tenderly, I 
have opened your wounds afresh; forgive me. 
But, my dear Countess, there is one thing that 
has remained to me a troubled mystery ever since 
the bodies of our children were found — the birth- 
mark was gone. And the golden trinket that 
hung round our little daughter’s neck was missing 
also.” 

^^Yes, my dear Robert, but there is nothing 


136 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


remarkable about that. The chain was very frail, 
and she might have wrenched it loose with her 
baby fingers, in her death-struggles. And the 
birth-mark was torn from their arms by the fish 
in the lake.” 

It is very strange,” said the Earl. The arm 
of each child was perfect, with the exception of a 
small place, where the mark of the crimson rose 
should have been. Sometimes I think it is a 
horrible nightmare, from which we will awaken, 
and somewhere in this world our children will 
come to us again.” 

My lord, what do you mean?” said the 
Countess, laying her right hand gently upon his 
head. 

The position in which the arm was placed 
caused the sleeve of her dress to fall back, ex- 
posing a beautiful round white arm. Just above 
the elbow was a very small but perfect deep- 
crimson rose. Each member of the Countess’ 
family had bore this birth-mark for generations 
and generations back. 

After a time, the Earl lifted his head, and said. 
If Eugene Kalston was still living, I should say 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


137 


that he could throw light on this dark and horri- 
ble mystery, that has haunted me for years.” 

Oh, my lord, you promised never to breathe 
that name to me again,” and the Countess let her 
arm drop to her side, while a deathly pallor 
overspread her fair, sweet, sad face. 

The Countess had good cause to turn pale at 
the mention of Eugene Kalston’s name. Before 
she ever became the wife of Lord Kalston, this 
Eugene had been a suitor for her hand ; and when 
her approaching marriage with Lord Ralston was 
announced, Eugene swore to have a terrible 
revenge on both her and his cousin. And after 
their marriage, he had tried every way in the 
world to make ^^Lord Robert” jealous and un- 
happy. 

Eugene Ralston was the only child of the 
younger brother of the eighth earl. Lord Robert’s 
hither ; therefore, if Lord Robert had not married, 
and no male heir was born to Gordon Ralston, in 
Virginia, Eugene Ralston, if living, would succeed 
to the title, and become tenth Earl of Dalhurst. 

After the birth of an heir, at the castle, Eugene 
purchased a captain’s commission in the army. 


138 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


and a year after there was an account in the 
Times of his having fought a duel with a brother 
officer, and of his receiving wounds from which 
he died. 

It had now been years since the Countess had 
heard his name mentioned ; but she often thought 
of the vow he made to make her drink the bitter 
cup of sorrow to the very dregs.” And she could 
never think of him, even now that she looked 
upon him as dead for so many weary years, but 
what all her sorrow, and all her years of anguish, 
would rise up vividly before her. And now her 

husband’s wild words filled her mind for a time 

% 

with strange, conflicting thoughts. After a short 
time, she said : 

“ No, no, my lord ; do not indulge in those 
strange, wild fancies. Eugene Ralston is dead, 
and our dear little ones have returned to the God 
who gave them. ^He giveth us blessings, and he 
taketh them away;’ but, oh! Eugene Ralston’s 
curse has been fulfilled in everything save your 
love. Although he tried so hard, he could not 
rob me of that. But, my lord, let us drop this 
unpleasant theme, and speak of something less 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


139 


sad. You seem to forget, my lord, that we are 
advancing in years, and that no other children 
will ever crown our love. And I have been 
thinking it is time you write to the next heir. 
His mother is dead. Invite him to come to 
Dalhurst Castle, and judge for yourself if he is 
worthy to become your successor.” 

“ Well, my love,” replied the Earl, still sadly, 

I will think over your suggestion. It is a good 
one. I will write to him this winter, and invite 
him to come over in the spring. Pie should be 
very near to us, as my brother Gordon’s son ; and 
I hope to find him in every way worthy to some 
day become the head of our old and ancient 
name — for ours is a long line, reaching far back 
to the days of the great and mighty conquerors. 
But there is time enough. To the world we 
may seem old; but my heart is as young and as 
vigorous as it was twenty years ago.” 

And the Earl spoke truly. His heart was 
young, and his powerful and brilliant mind was 
clothed with more than its youthful splendor, and 
he also had those twenty years of experience. 
Ah, the many changes that can come to one in 


140 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


twenty years ! The Earl had witnessed many 
changes in political spheres as well as domestic. 
His deep, grand, towering mind was the main- 
spring to the moving machinery of his political 
party in the house of parliament. And now that 
the Countess spoke to him, to remind him of his 
advancing years, he felt himself rebelling in spirit 
against the hand of time. He arose, and walked 
across the floor several times ; then stopping, and 
looking into the Countess’ sad and sorrowing flice, 
he said : 

called on our new neighbors this morning, 
at Rose Manor, and I was very much pleased with 
them. They are Americans, and Virginians ; and 
I find Mr. Wathon to be a gentleman of superior 
mind, while I think his wife a most estimable 
lady. They have a niece residing with them, who 
is very beautiful and highly accomplished, and by 
the way, my dear Countess, I wish you would form 
and cultivate their acquaintance. I think you 
could spend many happy hours with Miss Florence 
Howard. You know Sir Harry Waldo is des- 
perately in love with this young lady; but his 
father opposes the union simply because she has 
no title.” 


I 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


141 


Then he is very foolish, my lord ; for, from 
what I hear. Miss Howard is to be Mr. Wathon’s 
heiress. And they say his wealth is immense. 
And it is said that Sir Henry Waldo is bordering 
on ruin.” 

So it is reported,” replied the Earl. It is also 
said that Miss Howard has refused Sir Harry. 
Be that as it may. Miss Howard is a girl whom a 
king might be proud to claim for a daughter-in- 
law. And now, my love, will you call on Mrs. 
Wathon? I should like so much to have you 
do so.” 

I will think of it, my lord. But it is now 
time for me to prepare for my afternoon drive. 
Will you not join me?” 

With the greatest pleasure,” said the Earl, 
arising, and going with her to the door. 

Half an hour later, they were driving leisurely 
along through the extensive and well-kept park 
in a light pony phaeton, enjoying the cool and 
delicious breeze among the noble, stately trees 
that shaded the park. Here and there a stately 
deer would lift its beautiful head and look at 
them. But through all this tranquil loveliness. 


i 


142 A HEART TAVICE WON. 

the Countess never forgot the one absorbing sorrow 
of her life. But this driving in the park every 
day, if the weather would permit, kept her body 
in a perfect state of health. It so happened, this 
afternoon, the Earl drove in the direction of Eose 
Manor; and in half an hour after leaving the 
castle, dark, threatening clouds obscured the rays 
of the sun. And as they got to the last gate 
opening from the park, and almost opposite to 
Eose Manor, the large, round rain-drops com- 
menced to fall thickly and rapidly. They were 
too far from the castle to turn back and reach it 
now, to save themselves from the fury of the rain 
storm. The Earl jumped out and unlocked the 
gate. Taking the reins of the ponj’, he led him 
out into the road; then relocking the gate, he 
resumed his place by the side of the Countess, who 
asked in some surprise. 

Where are you going, my lord?” 

We will stop at Eose Manor until the storm 
has passed away,” said the Earl, quietly. 

"^Ah, my lord, you are shrewd. I can see 
through your little piece of stratagem. You mean 
to have me cultivate our new neighbors’ acquaint- 
ance, whether I wish to do so or not.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


143 


Their approach had been seen ; and by the time 
they reached the gates a man was there to admit 
them. And Lord Ralston and the countess were 
soon sheltered from the storm inside the friendly 
walls of Rose Manor; and Mrs. Wathon — dear 
aunt Joe, as Kate Ralston called her — was gazing 
into the Countess’ face as if fascinated. 

When and where had she seen a face not 
like, and yet so much like, the fair, sweet, beau- 
tiful face of the Countess of Dalhurst? 

There was something about the expression of 
the eyes that reminded her so much of her own 
dear little sea-bird, far away in her own beloved 
Virginia. After a time she said to herself : How 
very foolish I am ! Why I even fancied this 
morning that I could trace a strong resemblance 
betwen the noble Earl of Dalhurst and Frank 
Brent.” 

Mrs. Wathon greeted the Countess with all the 
kind courtesies of a Virginia lady. Her manners 
would have done credit to a duchess, and the 
Countess saw at a glance that she was the perfect 
lady. It never could have entered her mind that 
this noble, gentle and dignified woman had once 
9 


144 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


occupied the position of housekeeper in her sister- 
in-law’s house in Virginia, or that she had been 
the kind, watchful, and tender guardian of Kate 
Ealston in her childhood. 

The Countess did not know there was such a 
being as Kate ; and when the Earl spoke of his 
heir in Virginia, Gordon Ealston, the Wathons 
never manifested any surprise. They never let on 
that they had ever heard the name before. But 
Mrs. Wathon ventured to say, ‘^Is your nephew a 
married or single gentleman?” And the gladness 
all went out of her heart, when the Earl replied, 
“ He is unmarried,” and, for a moment, Mrs. 
Wathon was almost tempted to inform him that 
he was laboring under a mistake. But, upon 
second thought, she concluded to wait and let 
things alone for the present, just as they were. 

But why did Gordon Ealston keep the knowl- 
edge of his marriage with Kate from his uncle, the 
noble Earl? 

She thought this fact all the more strange, as 
only on the day before she had received a sweet 
letter from Kate, who seemed to be so supremely 
happy in her beautiful mountain home, and in her 
husband’s love. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


145 


The Earl was not disappointed in regard to the 
Countess’ liking for Mr. and Mrs, Wathon and 
their lovely niece. 

The Countess was seated on a divan by Flor- 
ence, holding the girl’s delicate hands in hers, 
and looking down into her young face with 
yearning tenderness. 

How old are you. Miss Howard?” 

I was seventeen in May,” replied Florence. 

Seventeen; just the age of my own darling, 
had she lived,” said the Countess, while the 
sorrowing tears dropped from her beautiful eyes. 

The Earl and Mrs. Wathon were conversing on 
the usual topics of the day, in another part of the 
room, but they each observed that the Countess 
and Florence were deeply interested in each other. 

And the Earl remarked to Mrs. Wathon, I 
hope you and Miss Howard will often gladden 
the castle with your presence. The Countess, 
my wife, is very secluded in her way of life. 
A great calamity fell upon us years ago. A 
trouble so deep that it injured the Countess’ 
mind, in fact so much that for three years 
her reason was entirely dethroned. But youth. 


146 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


and a fine constitution, at length prevailed over 
her diseased mind; but I cannot prevail upon the 
Countess to enter society again.” 

Mrs. Wathon did not inquire into the nature 
of his great trouble, for she had heard of it at 
Wimberlie house. 

Later on, when the thunder storm was over and 
the sun smiled forth again, making the rain-drops 
glisten and sparkle on the beautiful dark green 
yew trees, like so many sparkling diamonds, the 
Earl and Countess arose to take their leave. 

The Countess won a promise from Florence to 
visit her soon, and, at leaving, she exacted the 
same promise from Mrs. Wathon, the Earl 
extending to Mr. Wathon a cordial invitation 
also. 

On their way back to the castle, the Countess 
seemed more like herself than she had been for 
years; and the Earl never felt so thankful for 
anything as he did for the friendly storm that 
drove the Countess and himself to the shelter 
of the quiet, peaceful, and lovely home of the 
Wathons, where all was roses and sunshine,” 
fivir, beautiful Rose Manor. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


147 


CHAPTER XIY. 

A LOST DIARY. 

B ack again to Virginia; back again to the 
manor house among the mountains. 

We have wandered off from Gordon, Kate and 
Julia for a long time, and now, reader, let us take 
them up again, and see how Julia progresses with 
her schemes. 

For some cause or other a coldness has sprung 
up between Gordon Ralston and his wife. 

Kate is pale, thin and dispirited ; more so than 
usual. The deep gray eyes have a dreamy far- 
away look, which tells of a heart and mind ill at 
ease. She spends hours and hours at a time 
off in the green, shady forests. Here she had 
been wont, in the first weeks of her stay at the 
manor house, to wander forth and hold sweet 
communion with nature ; now she reaches a 
certain spot and throws herself down. 

She seems to have lost all interest in the 
beauties of nature. 


148 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Mr. Ralston is still very kind, but she misses 
the love that used to greet her on her return from 
her long rambles. What has caused this change 
in his feelings ? 

Once, when they were alone, she looked up into 
his face and ventured to say, ^^Mr. Ralston, what 
has come over you ? You have changed so in the 
last few weeks; have I done anything to displease 
you?” 

Gordon shot a keen, quick glance into her face, 
but did not make her any reply. He arose hastily 
and left her, going to his library. Here he 
unlocked a private drawer, and drew forth a diary, 
rich and elegantly bound in Russian leather. He 
opened it, and a spasm of pain contracted his 
handsome face, as he read again a few extracts 
therefrom. We will follow him in perusing its 
contents : 

October — ^^At lerigth I am successful. I 

am Gordon Ralston’s wife. But what matters it, 
if my heart is given to another ? but it was almost 
the bitterness of death to give that other up. 

But, with the dazzling prospect before me of 
one day being Countess of Dalhurst, and wearing 
the Dalhurst diamonds, I fear I have wedded 
myself to a life-long misery.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


149 


Novemher ^tli . — “ Mr. Ralston is sick. What if 
he should die ? will I have gained anything by 
my sacrifice of love ? 

No, no ; I must nurse him back to life and 
health again. 

^^Oh, if Mr. Ralston had only married Julia 
Brent, they would have been happy. They are 
suited to each other, while I must drag out a 
miserable existence with this man, when every 
tender feeling in my heart cries out, Why need 
it be so ? Sometimes I curse myself for my weak 
folly in consenting to this mad marriage, when 
my heart belonged to another. 

I cannot stand it. I will cause Mr. Ralston 
to seek a separation by law. Then I will fly to 
my dear Frank, and w^e will be happy together. 
But, no! This I cannot do, for aunt Joe’s sake. 
But why do I call this woman aunt, when I know 
she is my mother, and myself a child of sin ?” 

Flere every vestige of color left his face, and he 
bowed his proud head in his hands, and groan after 
groan escaped his lips. And again he cried out in 
bitterness of spirit : 

How can I ever look upon her face again ? 

My poor mother, could you have known the 
sorrow you were bringing on your son, when you 


150 A HEART TWICE WON. 

made me promise to take this girl for my wife, 
your angel spirit would look down in pity upon 
me now. But I will not reproach you. 

But how can I ever lift my proud head again 
to God’s glorious works, and thank him for pro- 
longing my existence ? 

‘^Oh, that I could have crossed over the dark 
rolling river, whose chill waters were so near to 
my feet! There I should have found peace. And, 
to find that I am bound to this girl for life — so 
young, yet so hypocritical ! — It is much harder to 
bear, since I had learned to love her, and had 
invested her with everything pure, innocent and 
good.” Then he read on : 

January Gordon will live. He still 

treats me very coldly ; but I do not care, for he 
whom I love has gone 1 

thought, to-day, when he started for Rich- 
mond, my poor heart would break ; and I cried 
out in my anguish. Oh, rebellious heart, be still ! 
But if the laws of the land keep you from me, my 
love, my heart will ever be yours. Oh, will I ever 
sing to you your favorite songs again ?” 

Gordon turned the leaves slowly, until he came 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


151 


to tlie montli of May ; and his breath came quick 
and short, and the keen, steel-blue eyes flashed 
fire, and the golden -moustached lip curled in 
bitter scorn. 

May 2d. last I have brought this proud 

and haughty Gordon Ralston to my feet. He has 
held me to his bosom, calling me his wife, the poor 
simpleton ! What would he say if he knew all ? 
But, as I have sold myself, I will play my part 
well, and he shall pay for it. 

He is very soft in the region of the brain; 
and I laughed to myself — I think this weakness 
runs in the family, especially on the mother’s 
side, or she never would have wanted her son to 
have married me. But then I had the mother 
blinded, as I now have the son. 

Have been to the Crescent City, and saw my 
dear mother depart for England. 

Back again at Wimberlie house, where I may 
again see the idol of my soul. 

Oh, if he had died, I should have killed my- 
self; for it was his great love for me that made 
him ill. And Julia knew of it, too; what a noble 
creature slie is ! She would love me if I would 
let her; but I cannot endure her. She is forever 
and eternally singing Gordon Ralston’s praises in 
my ears.” 


152 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Here Gordon again pressed his hands to his 
brow. He then read one other extract : 

July l^th , — ^'And he is gone, without ever 
coming to the manor house to see me. What shall 
I do ? How can I live ? Sometimes I am tempted 
to fly from this man, and follow my love to the 
west. There, somewhere, I shall find him, and be 
happy. But, ah ! I have sold myself for the Dal- 
hurst diamonds ; and I must and will wear them, 
if it is over a broken heart.” 

Here Gordon closed the diary, and a cold, stern 
expression settled around his mouth, as he said in 
his heart : 

Madam, you shall never wear the Dalhurst 
diamonds through me.” 

He went out of the library, carrying the diary 
with him. In the hall he met Kate, and handed 
it to her, saying : 

This is your property, I believe.” 

Kate held out her hand to receive it, and said : 

Where did you find my diary, Mr. Kalston? 
I have been looking for it all day.” 

I picked it up in the hall, this morning, near 
the library door,” he replied, and have failed to 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


153 


hand it to you any sooner and he bowed coldly, 
and passed on. 

His first impulse was, to upbraid her then and 
there, for her vile hypocrisy. But he concluded 
to wait until he could school himself to talk to her 
in a dispassionate manner. 

Poor Kate looked after him as he passed through 
the hall, then went on to her own little sitting- 
room. And, without ever giving the diary more 
than a careless glance, she opened a drawer at her 
sewing table and dropped it in, little dreaming of 
the great wrong that had been done her. 

Julia was sitting near a window, reading. 
She saw Kate, however, and said : 

My dear cousin, where did you find your 
diary ? ” 

Mr. Ralston found it in the hall, this 
morning.” 

I am so glad,” said J ulia, in a low, soft, 
cooing voice, that you have recovered it. I was 
afraid you had lost it in the woods, and it might 
never be found.” 

It’s very strange,” said Kate, musingly. I 
am almost sure I put it in the drawer of my 


154 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


dressing-case last night. But, of course, I must 
be mistaken.” 

course,” said Julia, ^^or Gordon could not 
have found it in the hall,” and the red lips 
wreathed with a bright smile; and an expression, 
which Kate did not see, gleamed from the yellow- 
ish black eyes. My sweet Kate, jmu have 
become such a lover of nature, since we came to 
this lovely mountain house, that I think you are 
becoming quite absent-minded. You promised to 
show me the new music you received by yester- 
day’s mail; but you have forgotten to do so,” 
and again she laughed a low, soft, musical laugh. 

So I have,” said Kate, and I beg your 
pardon. But excuse me, and I will go to my 
room and get it now,” and she turned and went out. 

When she was gone, Julia hastily arose, and 
drew a book — the exact counterpart to the one 
Kate had deposited in the drawer of her sewing- 
table — from her pocket, went to the table, and 
exchanged the books. 

good day’s work,” she said to herself; ‘^for, 
of course, Gordon read the contents. Where will 
all this end? Ah, it will end Avith my being 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


155 


Countess of Dalhurst,” and a liappy glow 
overspread her dark, beautiful, but treacherous 
face. 

She had barely time to resume her seat, when 
Kate returned with the music ; as she handed it 
to Julia, the latter was struck to see how thin 
the little hands had become. 

‘^Are you quite well, my dear? I am afraid 
that this mountain air does not agree with you. 
You are not looking so well as usual,” and Julia 
watched her keenly. 

I am quite well, thank you,” Kate replied, 
and a delicate blush stole softly over her face. 

A suspicion entered Julia’s mind. And trem- 
bling, she arose to go, saying she believed she 
would take the music to her owm room, and look 
over it there. And this evening we will go down 
to the drawing-room, and enjoy one of your 
musical treats.” 

i.' Yery well,” said Kate, who was glad to be 
left to herself For of late Julia haunted her 
presence like an evil shadow. 

When Julia reached her chamber, she locked 
her door, and sat down by the open window, not 


156 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


to look over the new music, but to think and lay 
her plans for the future. 

Yes,” she whispered, at length ; I must 
bring things to a crisis soon ; yes, very soon. I 
hope Gordon has no suspicion of what I am 
almost certain is a fact. But I shall soon know; 
I will see my hither to-night.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


157 


CHAPTER XV. 


BY THE RIVER. 


EYERAL days after, when the negro man 



kJ returned from the mountain village post- 
office, he brought several papers for Gordon, two 
letters for Julia, and one for Kate; and a piece 
of new opera music. 

Kate went to the window to read her letter. 
It was from her friend and schoolmate, Fannie 
Bristo. It was very brief, and ran as follows : 


Bristo Lodge, August Ibtli, 18 — . 


iC 


Dearest Kate: — I shall have to give papa 
and mamma the slip, as the saying goes. They 
will not give their consent to my marriage with 
Mr. Yon Herchien. How hard it is, too, when I 
love him so much ! But, Kate, you know what 
the Bible says on this subject : ‘For this cause a 
man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave 
to his wife.’ And you will see that I am ambi- 
tious of becoming a second Ruth, and of letting 
Mr. Yon Herchien’s ‘people be my people.’ For, 


158 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


of course, the term cleave applies to the woman, 
as well as to the man. Mr. Von Herchien is 
offered a splendid position in Baltimore, and we 
shall go there immediately after we are married. 
I will write you again as soon as w^e are settled, 
and give you my address. Adieu, dear Kate. 

“ F. B.” 

Kate was tapping the window softly with her 
fingers, thinking of Fannie’s letter. Julia seemed 
to be deeply interested in her correspondence, 
but an exclamation from Gordon made her look 
up quickly and ask, ‘^Cousin Gordon, what do 
you see in the paper to startle you so ? ” 

It was some time before he answered her. But, 
at length, he said, I have very bad news for you, 
Julia. The ‘Bonny Belle’ was lost in a storm, 
ten days out from New York, and every soul on 
board perished except the captain and second 
mate.” 

“ Oh, then, my poor brother is lost to me for- 
ever!” exclaimed Julia, hiding her face in her 
hands. 

There was a sound as of some one falling. 

O 

“ Look to your wife, Gordon ; she has fainted,” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 159 

said Julia, springing to Kate’s side. ^^Ah, Gordon, 
you should have been more cautious. You did 
wrong to read the account of the disaster to her. 
Have you forgotten what I once told you ? Ring 
the bell for assistance.” 

Gordon complied with her bidding, and soon 
Letty, the little waiting maid, made her appear- 
ance. 

Here, Letty, lend a hand, and let us convey 
Mrs. Ralston to her chamber;” and when her 
chamber was reached, she was laid on the sofa, 
and restoratives applied. 

There she lay like a broken flower, after the 
scorching rays of the sun have sipped the dew- 
drops from its tender petals. But, after a time, 
she showed signs of returning consciousness; and 
then Gordon walked up and down the room, and 
a grim smile overspread his pale, troubled face. 

Little could any one imagine the anguish this 
scene cost him. It was very hard for him to blot 
from his heart the love that had sprung therein 
for this girl, his wife, who lay there, now spent 
and thin, at the announcement of another man’s 
death. 


10 


160 A HEART TWICE WON. 

J ulia, however, saw the struggle that was going 
on in his breast. But it did not cause one 
feeling of pity to find a dwelling-place in her false 
heart. She seemed to have but one object in life: 
that was, to secure the man that appeared so 
wretched before her ; and, through him, to become 
Countess of Dalhurst. She thought, for Gordon 
Balston to call her wife, every ambition of her 
heart would be gratified. Alas for thee, poor 
Ka^, lying there so still and pale ! If the death 
angels had come for you then, how many bitter, 
bitter trials and sorrows you would have escaped ! 
For this serpent, in the shape of a fair, beautiful 
woman, and her father, are weaving a chain of 
circumstantial evidence around you, that no man 
of honor can overlook; and Gordon Kalston is 
the soul of honor. 

When the dark, gray eyes opened, at length, 
they rested on the face of her husband, who was 
bending over her, with that cold, grim smile still 
upon his lips. 

In a very low voice, Kate asked, Mr. Ealston, 
have I been dreaming, or did I really hear you 
say Frank Brent was dead ? ” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


161 


He is dead, madam,” said Gordon, coldly. 

Oh, I am so sorry ! ” said she, with all the 
truthfulness of childish innocence, and tears of 
regret dimmed the gray eyes. 

Gordon was looking straight into those eyes, 
and his face softened perceptibly, as he said : 

Kate, did you really love Frank so much ? ” 

“ Yes, Mr. Ralston ; I loved him very much.” 

And at these words, the cold, proud, stern look 
came into his face again. 

Kate was quick to perceive the change, and 
hastily said : I loved Frank very much ; but it 
was with a different kind of love I have for you, 
Mr. Ralston. It has always seemed to me, ever 
since I have known Frank, as if he was almost a 
part of my being. I think it must be something 
like the feeling a sister must have for a dear and 
only brother.” 

Perhaps so,” said Gordon, coldly, as he turned 
and left the room. 

That evening, Julia met her father, by appoint- 
ment. She related to him the news of the loss 
of the vessel that Frank had taken passage in. 

^^And now, that he is out of the way, with a 


162 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


little judicious management on your part, we can 
easily bring this business to a satisfactory end; 
for, as you, already know, Gordon lias been watch- 
ing you and Kate for some time. Now, when 
has this loving, dutiful daughter of yours promised 
to meet you again?” said Julia, with a low, 
musical laugh. But isn’t she falling into our 
trap beautifully, though?” 

And to her question, Mr. Brent replied : Mrs. 
Kalstori has promised to meet me down by the 
big eddy to-morrow afternoon, for the last time. 
She seems to tremble for her husband ; but she 
has taken a solemn oath not to betray me.” 

That is well,” said Julia. ^^Kate Ralston 
will not break her oath, though the heavens fall 
and crush her. Make this meeting as tender and 
sentimental as possible, and it may indeed be the 
last one ; and I will manage to have Gordon 
Ralston witness it. I know you are anxious to 
leave this neighborhood, and so am I ; and now I 
must devise a plan, to get Gordon out with me 
for a stroll to-morrow afternoon. But when I am 
Gordon’s wife, what will become of you?” said 
J ulia. It was the first time she had thought of 
this. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


163 


said Brent, twining his moustache, I 
shall return to Europe, and spend my days on the 
continent; and my daughter must furnish me 
means with which to live, as a gentleman of my 
taste and habits should live. You may be sure I 
will never trouble you, or make myself known to 
Mr. Ralston; I have too much to fear from that 
bank transaction, ever to do that. For there is 
such a thing as a man being hung on circumstan- 
tial evidence ; and you are right about my wishing 
to leave this country. But you, my daughter, 
must manage to procure for me the sum of one 
thousand dollars. I am without money, with the 
exception of barely enough for my little necessary 
expenses. Mrs. Ralston has promised to give me 
one hundred dollars to-morrow.” 

You shall have the monej^,” said Julia, while 
a glow of satisfaction lighted up her face. So 
good-bye for the present,” and she turned and 
retraced her steps to the manor house. 


164 


A HEART TWICE WON 


CHAPTER XYI. 

stolen! one thousand dollars. 
LOVELY September day. The early frost 



S\_ in this mountain region had made the forest 
most gorgeous in hues — the dark-green of the 
pine and cedar intermingling their rich shades 
with the golden-brown and red of otlier trees. A 
soft hazy mist hangs over the mountains, river 
and valleys. Kate, thin and pale as a shadow, 
reclines in a large easy-chair in her own room, lost 
in deep and painful meditation. She is soon 
awakened, however; for Julia comes in and takes 
a low stool at her feet, and knowing that Kate has 
an appointment with her father, she says : 

My dear cousin, I want you to go with me to 
the cave this afternoon. If we return to Wini- 
berlie house next week, this will be my last 
chance,” and she looked up into the pale thin 
face beside her. Cousin Gordon says he will 
accompany us.” 

I am not feeling very well to-day,” said Kate ; 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


185 


and I am sorry if I disappoint you. But I am 
sure you and Mr. Ralston can go 'without me.’' . 

Oh, Kate, do not think me heartless, but I 
cannot content myself indoors; for my dear, lost 
brother seems ever before me. I wish to go and 
see this remarkable freak of nature — to see if it 
won’t divert my mind from this great sorrow. He 
was one of the noblest brothers a sister ever had,” 
and this beautiful young viper hid her face in 
Kate’s lap and wept for a long time. Then she 
arose and left the room. 

That afternoon, Julia and Gordon left the 
manor house together. The cave was situated 
about a mile up the river from the manor house, 
and what was known as the “big eddy” was a mile 
below. Here the river gave an abrupt bend, and 
the waters, something like the whirlpool at 
Niagara, made an almost complete circle before it 
found its outlet. The scenery at this point was 
magnificent, and Kate’s soul cried out with 
rapture ; and she seemed to forget all her sorroAvs 
for a moment, as she gazed on all this beauty 
bathed in the soft rays of the September sun. 
And her artist soul longed with an intense longing 


166 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


to transfer this lovely landscape on canvas. Bufc 
the old masters could not do it justice, she thouglit, 
and then the troubled look returned again to her 
face, as she thought for what purpose she was 
there to meet the man who claimed to be her 
father. 

But if he is my father, as he claims to be, why 
is it that every pulse of my being loathes him? 
Perhaps it is this story of the wrong he says he 
did my mother. But, oh ! I cannot believe what 
he says about dear aunt Joe. I have too much 
faith in her purity of soul to believe that she is 
what he says she is, and my poor, unfortunate, 
misguided mother. But if he is not my father, 
why should he try to impress me hilsely? It must 
be so; and if it is, I can never look on her dear 
face again. And Mr. Kalston, my proud young 
husband, who stands upon the highest rounds of 
society, and his noble relatives — I can hardly look 
into his face since I met this man. If he knew 
this man’s story, he a fugitive from justice and 
my father, Mrs. Wathon my mother, and I a 
child of sin and shame — Ah! I warned him before 
he ever took me into his love, but I never dreamed 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


167 


of anything so horrible. Oh, Heavenly Father, 
look down in pity upon me, and direct me how to 
act, for I am still thy most unhap^Dy child.” And 
she sat gazing into the water as if longing to 
throw herself on its turbulent bosom to find rest 
there. Then she raised her eyes to the blue 
heavens, and shrank from these cowardly thoughts. 
There was a step near her. She looked up, and 
saw the man who claimed to be her father looking 
at her. 

Why have you kept me waiting so long, Mr. 
Hope?” she said, with a weary sigh. 

“ It was impossible for me to get here sooner, 
my dear child,” said he, seating himself beside her 
on the ground. ^^As you already know, Mr. 
Kalston has seen us together several times, and 
this in all probability will be our last meeting on 
earth. Have you brought me the money?” 

Yes,” replied Kate, while a cold shiver ran 
through her frame. 

* :J: :J; ^ ❖ 

^^Oh, Gordon, the ^cave' is grand,” exclaimed 
Julia; ^^and now, tired as I am, I must see the 
^big eddy’ by sunset. I have seen it at all hours 


168 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


of the day, but never at sunset. There is a charm 
in this hour that lends new beauty to everything ; 
so let us go to the ^ big eddy/ and then return to 
dear cousin Kate. Gordon, what is the matter 
with that dear, sweet child ? She is not like the 
bright, joyous Kate we brought here in June. 
She seems to have some secret sorrow rankling in 
her bosom ; and when I have come upon her 
suddenly and unexpectedly, she will start, and 
turn as pale as death. But why do I ask ? Poor 
Frank; his was a sad fate!” And now Gordon 
had no alternative but to follow wheresoever she 
might lead him. 

And they wandered on by the river, until they 
came in sight of the spot Julia wished to visit. 
She cast her black eyes around her, until they 
rested on what she was in search of. Then she 
touched her moody companion on the arm, and 
pointed her finger in the direction of Kate and 
Mr. Hope. He had given himself this name to 
the poor, deluded girl he and Julia were trying to 
destroy. Gordon followed the direction in which 
she pointed, and every vestige of color faded from 
his face, and the proud lips were pressed strongly 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


169 


together, and his blue eyes flashed fire. Instinc- 
tively his hand sought his pocket, but he was 
unarmed. 

^^Who is that with Kate, cousin?” said Julia, 
at length. Let us go on to them.” 

Remain where you are,” he said, sternly. 
^^Mrs. Ralston was too much indisposed to accom- 
pany you, and you shall not go to her.” 

Gordon and J ulia were too far off to hear any- 
thing that passed between Kate and Mr. Hope, 
but they could see. And J ulia’s heart beat high 
at the success of her plan. 

^^And now, my daughter,” said Hope, ^Hhat I 
am leaving you forever, perhaps, will you not give 
me one kiss, that I may carry the sweet memory 
with me, when I again become an exile from my 
country and my child? Although I did your 
mother that great wrong, my heart is very tender 
for my child.” 

Kate turned her face away, and said : 

Mr. Hope, tell me truly, where did the locket 
come from, aunt Joe gave me ?” 

Oh, yes,” said Hope, a heart-shaped locket. 


170 


A HEART TWICE WON.. 


enamelled in black and set with diamonds, and 
two little locks of brown hair, and a faded picture. 
It belonged to my first wife, or rather to all the wife 
I ever had. The hair was severed from the 
heads of our boy and girl, before they died with 
scarlet fever. After you were born in Norfolk, 
I put it around your neck, asking Miss Carlock 
to let you wear it. It was by this locket that I 
accidentally discovered you, my daughter. If you 
have no objections, I would like to regain posses- 
sion of it.” 

I have not got the locket with me,” said Kate, 
^^and would not part with it if I had.” 

Of course, I cannot compel you to do so. But 
I must be off. Let me once press you to my heart, 
my child;” and tears actually rolled down his face 
on Kate’s hand, which he had taken, and was 
bending over in an attitude of deep feeling. 

Poor Kate no longer doubted that he was her 
father. 

Mr. Hope,” she said, I cannot call you father. 
But I can and will pray, that you may repent of 
all the sin, misery and shame you have brought 
upon me. And if it will be a comfort to you to 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


171 


press my lips, I give you the kiss you desire.” 
He folded her in his arms, and kissed her again 
and again. Then he arose to go. My child, the 
money.” 

Gordon saw her take out her purse, and hand 
it to him. The next moment he was gone. 

He looked back, after he had gone some distance, 
and kissed his hand to her, but her head was 
bowed, and she did not see him. Shortly, she arose 
upon her feet; and, on turning around, she stood 
face to face with her husband. 

She did not turn any paler, for she was as pale 
as death before. But she turned her face from the 
burning eyes fixed upon her. 

Gordon stood looking at her as she stood there, 
her slender figure fully outlined against the dying 
rays of the sun. One small hand was pressed 
tightly over her throbbing heart, and the other 
hung listlessly at her side. 

It was several moments before Mr. Ralston 
could speak. At length he said : 

Madam, who was that man I saw leave you 
just now?” The sternness of his voice made her 
turn and look up into his face. 


172 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


There was no blush of guilt on hers. It still 
wore that deathly pallor, as she said : 

Mr. Ralston, I cannot answer your question.” 

Cannot! Why do you wish to conceal his 
name from me ?” 

don’t wish to conceal his name from you, 
Mr. Ralston ; but I must.” 

Where did you obtain the money I saw you 
hand him?” 

That question I will answer. It was money 
aunt Joe gave me, and what I have laid by of the 
spending money you gave me, from time to time, 
since I married you.” 

‘^And what right have you to give my money 
to men that meet you clandestinely, as this one 
has been in the habit of doing, for the last month ?” 

It was not your money, sir. It was mine, as 
I have told you.” 

It is false, madam. Last night you took from 
my desk the sum of one thousand dollars; and 
you have given part, if not all, to that man I saw 
kiss your lips.” 

Poor Kate had stood Gordon Ralston’s cold 
indifference wdth patience and sorrow. But now 


A HEART TWICE WON 


173 


that he accused her of theft, every drop of blood 
in her veins seemed like so much burning lava. 
The small hands clinched together, and the lips 
were tightly compressed over the glittering pearly 
teeth. The gray eyes were as black as nighty and 
emitted gleams of scorn, as she said : 

Gordon Ralston, if I was a man, this insult 
should cost you your life. How dare you stand 
there and accuse me of what you know is false, 
sir ! If, as you say, you had a thousand dollars 
taken from your desk, other hands than mine 
took it.” 

That could not have been,” replied Gordon, 
for you are the only one that has had access to 
where it was kept. There were six thousand 
dollars, all rolled together in one package. It 
was paid to me last week. I counted it last 
night; I counted it again this morning, and I 
found it was one thousand dollars short. How 
much money was in the purse you gave that 
man ?” 

I decline to answer you, sir,” said Kate, and 
her proud lips curled in scorn. 

Very well, madam. I will question you no 


174 A HEART TWICE WON. 

further,” and he turned coldly from her. He 
went straight to the manor house, where he found 
Julia awaiting him. 

Even she was shocked to see the change that 
had come over hint since she had left him only an 
hour before. Ten years seemed to have been 
added to his life, as he said : 

You and Mrs. Ralston remain here until the 
middle of October, and then return to Wimberlie 
house. I shall leave to-night for Richmond.” 

For Richmond ! Why, cousin Gordon, what 
do you mean? The sun is now down, and we 
have not dined yet.” 

That does not matter. I cannot stay here 
another night. I do not care to meet Mrs. Ralston 
just yet, and I think it best to go away for 
a while.” 

My dear cousin, you are in trouble. Will you 
not confide to me the nature of that trouble ? Am 
I not your sister, in affection at least ?” 

Yes, dear Julia, and I hope I fully appreciate 
all your sympathy. But I can talk to no one of 
this trouble. I could not speak of it to my dear 
mother, were she living.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


175 


dear Gordon, you will not leave us to 
ourselves entirely?” she said, cooingly. 

^^Not yet a while,” he said. ^^But I must he 
off, or I will miss the stage.” And he wrung her 
hand at parting. 

Julia had hoped that he would press his lips to 
her brow, but this he did not do. 

When he disappeared from her view, she flew 
up to her own room, and hid her face in the 
pillows, and a cry of exultation escaped her lips 
as she said, My plan works. I will soon achieve 
the ambition of my heart. Gordon will never 
forgive and make up with Kate. She will be as 
true as life itself to the man she thinks to be her 
father. Strange he never mentioned anything 
about that thousand dollars. That was better 
than I could have hoped for. He saw Kate give 
my father money, and of course he will blame her. 
He never would deem me guilty of such an act.” 

11 


CHAPTER XIY. 


WILL SHE WEAR THE DIAMONDS? 
OOR Kate lingered in the woods until the 



I twilight settled over the mountains, river, 
and valleys — until the blue vaults of heaven 
were dotted with the bright jewels of night. 

And later on the moon rose, and touched the 
mountain tops with its soft silver lustre, and was 
mirrored in the clear blue waters at her feet. 

The wind swept softly through the boughs of the 
pines, making sweet, sad music to her lonely heart. 

She lingered there until the falling dews 
reminded her it was time to return to the manor 
house; and, heaving a weary sigh, she thought. 
What shall I do ? Oh, Gordon ! Gordon ! my 
more than life! how can I meet you again? I 
cannot. But I will steal quietly to the manor, 
and go at once to my own room.” 

After dragging her weary feet home, where she 
had spent so many happy hours with her husband 
in the early part of the summer, she went softly 


< ▼ 

up to her room, and threw herself on the sofa. 
She could not weep, but the ^autiful eyes were 
red and burning, and her head throbbed ,with 
pain, as did her sad and grieved heart. 

Letty came in to see if h^r mistress wanted 
anything, and to inform her that dinner had 
been waiting some time. 

^^Tell Mr. Kalston to please excuse me, that I 
am indisposed, and do not want any dinner.” 

^‘Why, la. Miss Kate! Massa Gordon done left 
for Richmond by de evening stage. I hern him 
tell Miss July so, as I was bringing fresh water to 
your room.” 

Kate was greatly surprised at this announce- 
ment, but she did not show it before Letty, but 
merely said : 

“Go and tell Miss Julia I do not want any 
dinner.” 

“ Yes’m,” said Letty, going out and shutting the 
door softly behind her. 

An hour later Julia came in softly, and seeing 
Kate lying there so still, she thought her sleeping. 

She turned and was in the act of leaving the 
room, when Kate called tcHa.er, in a low voice : 


178 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


took Mr. Kalston to Eichmond to- 
night?” 

dear cousin, I am sure I do not know,” 
said Julia. ^^Did he not tell you he was going?” 

No, he did not,” said Kate, sadly. 

‘‘That is strange,” remarked Julia. “I hope 
you and Gordon haven’t quarrelled.” 

Kate did not . reply to this remark, but asked 
when Mr. Ealston would return. 

“He will not return to the manor house at all. 
We are to go to Wimberlie house the middle 
of October, and he will join us there.” 

“And that is nearly three weeks off,” said Kate, 
with a weary sigh. 

“ But that is not long, my dear Kate. The 
days will pass quickly away for you, who have 
such a passion for the loveliness of nature, and so 
many resources for killing time — ^your music and 
painting ; and then you keep a diary, while poor 
me can do nothing but read and work a little in 
Berlin. Then, Gordon’s letters will be a pleasure 
to you. So you must try to be as cheerful as 
possible. Now, let me go down and bring you up a 
cup of strong tea; it would do you so much good.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


179 


Kate thanked her kindly. She sorely felt the 
need of something, and said: 

You may bring me up some strong coffee. 
Perhaps it may help my head, which aches 
terribly.” 

The coffee did help her head, but her heart- 
ache was beyond this soothing stimulant. In 
the morning, when she arose from her sleepless 
couch, it was still there; and when the three 
w^eeks had passed away and no letter came from 
Gordon, that dreary pain was still in her heart. 

Julia came into her room one morning wdth an 
open letter in her hand, saying : 

We are to start for Wimberlie house to- 
morrow, and I’m heartily glad of it. Gordon 
writes that he would have come and accompanied 
us on our journey, but Court is in session, and it is 
impossible for him to leave ; ” and the heartless 
girl looked into Kate’s face to see if she had any 
suspicion as to the nature of the business that 
kept him from corning. But it had never entered 
her mind. Gordon has sent Bayliss, his valet, 
to see us safe at Wimberlie house.” 

But we will see Mr. Balston as we pass 


180 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


through Richmond, shall we not?” said Kate, as 
we spend all day and part of the night there.” 

It seems not,” replied J ulia ; for this letter 
says we are to go on direct to Wimberlie house, 
and when he is through with his business, he will 
join us there.” 

Kate felt terribly pained and grieved to think 
that Gordon should have written his instructions 
to J ulia instead of herself. 

But it could not be helped, and when Julia left 
her room she rang her bell for Letty, who soon 
made her appearance. 

Letty,” she said, go and tell Miss Minnie 
Allen to come to my room,” and shortly after the 
overseer’s daughter entered. 

She was very young, not over sixteen. She 
was very pretty — was more than that, was 
beautiful — and many a proud city belle would 
have given half her life for her wealth of dark, 
glossy hair and apple-bloom complexion. 

During Kate’s stay at the manor, she had 
conceived a great liking for this mountain 
beauty,” who delighted in gathering for Mrs. 
Ralston the fairest and sweetest flowers that grew 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


181 


upon the mountain sides and in the valleys. 
Kate placed a chair for her visitor, and said : 

I am going back to Wimberlie house to- 
morrow, Minnie, and I want to make you a 
little present before I go. You have been so kind 
to me this summer.” 

^^Oh, do not speak of my kindness, Mrs. Ralston ; 
I cannot stand it,” said Minnie, trying hard to 
force back the tears that welled up in her brown 
eyes. 

Kate w^ent to a wardrobe and took from it 
several suits of beautiful linen, some bearing the 
name of Kate Blackburn, and others Kate 
Ralston. She brought them and laid them in the 
girl’s lap. 

Tliere, Minnie, you have admired the work 
and trimming on those garments many times ; and 
this winter, when you marry, you will have so 
much towards your wardrobe,” said Kate, kindly. 

Oh, Mrs. Ralston ! How can I ever thank 
you enough for these beautiful garments ! Father 
has such a large family, he says he can hardly 
afford to buy me cotton, let alone linen. And all 
this soft, nice lace and embroidery must have 


182 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


been very expensive,” and the grateful girl took 
Kate’s pale, thin hands, and kissed them again 
and again. 

When I am married, Mrs. Kalston, I will live 
in Richmond. Then I may get to see you some- 
times.” 

I hope you may, Minnie ; and now I shall be 
very busy helping Letty to pack up, and you 
may return to your home,” said Kate, gently. 

They were all ready to start to the village to 
take the stage. Kate went out in the beautiful 
and well-kept grounds, and her eyes wandered 
over all the beautiful mountain scenery. Would 
she ever see it again ? This was the anniversary 
of her wedding-day, and as they drove off from 
the manor house the rain-drops began to fall and 
beat against the carriage windows, just as it had 
beat against the windows of Wimberlie house a 
year before, when she and Gordon were married 
at his mother’s death-bed. 

Kate and Julia had been at Wimberlie two 
weeks. They did not see Mr. Ralston as they 
passed through Richmond. He had written to 
Julia two or three times, but never wrote a letter 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


183 


to his wife. The first Sabbath after their return 
Kate and Julia went to church, and Kate had 
left her offering of sweet flowers on Gordon’s 
mother’s grave. The old pastor, Mr. Somerville, 
warmly welcomed her back to the old church 
and the neighborhood. 

^^We have missed your sweet voice sadly, my 
child,” said he, looking down into the troubled 
eyes. 

But Kate’s beautiful voice was heard no more 
in those old ivy-clad walls. Her husband’s cold 
indifference had driven all the music from her 
soul, for a time. 

Kate missed Fannie Bristo’s clear, sweet voice 
from the choir. She had left her father and 
mother^ to share the fortunes, whatever they 
might be, of the man she loved. Mr. Bristo, a 
very wealthy planter, had left everything in the 
hands of a trusty agent, and he and his wife had 
gone abroad. Fannie was their only child, and 
her elopement nearly broke their hearts, so Mr. 
Somerville said. In a few days Kate received a 
letter from Mrs. Von Herchien, with her address. 
In this letter she dwelt at some length on her 


184 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


happiness, and bade her friend come and see her 
soon, if possible. 

^^Now do come, dear Kate. Mr. Von Herchien 
is dying to hear your lovely voice again. You wdll 
never know the disappointment it was to him, not 
to get to train your voice for the stage. And now, 
dear Kate, I hope you are as happy as I am. We 
will go to the old world in May, so do come.'*’ 

Kate was glad to learn of her friend’s happi- 
ness, but she did not contrast Fannie’s happiness 
with her own dreary lot. In November, a pack- 
age of papers came for Julia, and a letter from 
Gordon Ralston to Kate. Julia took her papers 
and sat down to look them over. Kate went to a 
window and broke the seal of her letter. It was 
brief, and as follows : 

Richmond, Nov. 2d, 18 — . 

^^As you will see by the papers I send Julia, you 
are free. I have settled Beechwood upon you, 
with a sufficient sum of money in bank to keep 
you in comfort. You can never wear the Dal- 
hurst diamonds. But I wish you no harm. I 
never want to look on your false and treacherous 
face again. You will confer a great favor on me 
by repairing to Beechwood at once. 

Gordon Ralston.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


185 


No cry escaped the cold, white lips. Julia 
looked up and saw that the eyes were set and 
staring. Not a muscle of her frame quivered. 
She was so shocked and stunned that she stood 
there like a piece of marble, incapable of motion. 
Julia knew why it was. She had been reading 
the account of a divorce in high life. It gave no 
names, but the initials G. R. and K. R. She 
knew that her base plans had succeeded, and for a 
moment she was almost as pale as she who stood 
there before her, with a heart too full of anguish 
to cry out against the great wrong that had been 
done her. 

Did no feelings of remorse touch the heart of 
this vile girl, who had planned and brought all 
this sorrow and humiliation to this innocent and 
friendless girl ? No ; she was lost to every sense 
and feeling of pity or tender emotion, save what 
little love she had for the miserable wretch she 
called her father, and her all-absorbing but selfish 
love for Gordon Ralston. 

She could not stand, however, and see those 
eyes fixed on her in this manner. She went 
forward and put her hand on her shoulder and 


186 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


shook her gently, but still the eyelids never 
moved. Julia was frightened, for she was natu- 
rally a coward at heart. 

In a few seconds aunt Eachel came in, and 
seeing the condition of her young mistress, a 
cloud came over her black face, as she said, “ For 
the love of heaven. Miss July, what is the matter 
with my j^oung mistress?” 

^^Oh, aunt Kachel, I will tell you after a while. 
But first call some of the women to come and 
assist you in conveying her to her room.” 

Aunt Rachel went out, but soon returned with 
several willing hands, who were anxious to do 
something for Miss Kate, who was a great favorite 
with the negroes belonging to Mrs. Wimberlie’s 
family before her marriage — those calling them- 
selves Randolphs. 

Aunt Rachel was a Randolph, as she was proud 
of boasting ; and she and another Randolph lifted 
the pale, still girl in their arms and carried her 
tenderly to her room and laid her on the snowy 
bed. They soon had her in a warm bath, and 
mustard draughts to her feet. She was as cold as if 
the hand of death had touched her. After a time 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


187 


the weary eyelids drooped over the deep, sad eyes, 
and a quiver ran through her frame. Later on, 
aunt Rachel left her, and went out. In passing 
through the gallery, she met Sam — her husband — 
the coachman, who said : 

Look here, ole 'oman, what is dis Miss July 
done been tellin’ of me about how as Massa 
Gordon has done got a ’vorce from Miss Kate?” 

Done got a what?” said aunt Rachel, rolling 
up her eyes. 

’vorce, Rachel, honey. You knows what I 
means — a writin’ from de court, saying dat he, 
Massa Gordon, is Gordon Ralston still, and Miss 
Kate isn’t.” 

Isn’t a what?” said Rachel. 

Isn’t a Ralston, ole ’oman. You knows what 
I means.” 

I knows what you say, Sam ; but I don’t 
understand you. I never could understand a 
Wimberlie nigger.” 

Oh, sho, Rachel ! Now don’t get off on your 
hivorite teem of de Randolphs, for you knows as 
well as I do dat de Wimberlies is de fust and only 
family in Virginia.” 


188 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Aunt Rachel’s lip curled as she said : 

I am not a gwine to get on any teem, Sam ; 
but do speak good English, and tell me what you 
is tryin’ to get trew your ole woolly head.” 

I’se jist been tellin’ you, Rachel, honey. But 
your Randolph head is so tick I can’t make you 
understand how Massa Gordon done got a Vorce 
from Miss Kate. He can marry again, and she 
can marry again if she want to.” 

^^Now look a-here, Sam Wimberlie, you don’t 
mean for to say dat Massa Gordon done got a 
’vorce from dat angel up-stairs? You is jokin’ 
wid me.” 

^^It am so, Rachel, honey.” 

What ! got a ’vorce from dat girl my Miss 
July indorsed? I nussed Massa Gordon when he 
was a baby, and I have hope to nuss his child’en, 
and his grandchild’en, and his great-great-grand- 
child’en, and I can’t believe it ; for my dear Miss 
July indorsed dis girl — and when a Randolph 
indorses a ding, it is dar,” said Rachel, proudly. 

So it is dar, Rachel, chile,” said Sam, thought- 
fully. ^^But look here, ole ’oman, tell me how 
long you spec’s to live, case you’ll be nigh on to 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


189 


two hundred years when you nuss all dese child’en 
you’s been tellin me about, and has I got to be 
’flicted wid de story of de Kandolphs all dat 
time?’^ 

Dar dat’s de Wimberlie nigger,” said Rachel. 

Dey always want to know too much. Now you 
jist go ’long and ’tend to your own business, and 
jist bear in minds, as you ’tend to it, that I’se a 
Randolph, will you? And now I’ll go and look 
arter Miss Kate.” 

By this time twilight was settling over the 
grand old house. Rachel went softly into Kate’s 
own room, and lighting the lamp, she placed it on 
the table. She then went up to the bed to inquire 
of her young mistress” how she felt; but the 
bed was empty, and a superstitious awe came over 
her as she looked around in blank amazement. 
She left the room quickly, and went below to 
make inquiries ; but no one had seen Miss Kate. 
They searched every room in the house, the 
grounds, and everywhere, but could find no trace 
of her. And Julia’s heart beat high with hope 
that the waters of the James flowed over her still 
heart. 


190 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


That night she wrote two letter® -one to Gor- 
don telling him- of Kate’s disappearance, and one 
to her father, which she directed to Florence, 
Italy. In this letter she detailed the success of 
her plans so far. In the course of ten days after 
Julia had written to him, Gordon returned to 
Wimberlie house. He looked ill and careworn, 
and one day as Julia ran her fingers through his 
hair she saw here and there a silver thread. 
Before he had come home he had written to Julia, 
asking her never to mention Kate’s name to him. 
In the winter, Gordon received a letter from the 
Earl of Dalhurst, requesting him to come to the 
castle in the spring. In January, Gordon picked 
up a Richmond paper from the table where Julia 
had laid it, and glanced down the column of city 
news. At length his eyes rested on a paragraph 
that made his heart stop beating for a time. This 
is what he saw : 

Miss Kate B , who was divorced from 

her husband, Mr. R , in October last, was 

found dead in her bed this morning : cause of 
death, heart-disease.” 

Gordon bowed his head, and said, It is better 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


191 


SO. Thus ends a young life that might have been 
a shining ornament to society, if it had not been 
for that fatal mistake I made in marrying her.’' 

He went to his room, and the portrait of his 
mother, painted by Kate’s hands, seemed to look 
sadly down upon him. 

He fell upon his knees and buried his face in 
his hands, and groan after groan of anguish 
escaped his dry and feverish lips. For, although 
thinking her guilty, he had not yet torn Kate 
from his heart. 

Julia had also seen this newspaper article, and 
had gone to her room to congratulate herself on 
the success of her plans and her own clever- 
ness. 

He shall never leave the United States with- 
out me,” she said. One more move of the wheel 
in the right direction, and all will be well.” 

Ah, Julia! ^^The mills of the gods grind 
slowly,” but the day of wrath will come for you 
yet, even in this life. 

In the spring, when Gordon began to make his 
preparations for going to England, J ulia went into 
the library, and going up to Gordon, who W'as 
12 


192 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


seated in his easy-chair, she fell on her knees and 
laid her head on his knee, and began to sob. 

^^My dear Julia, why do you weep?” said he, 
laying his hand softly on her head, and stroking 
the purplish black hair. 

“ Oh, Gordon, do not leave me here all alone ! 
I shall die if you do. I heard the servants talk- 
ing to-day ; they say people are beginning to talk 
of my remaining here with you, and no other 
lady about the house, and you not my cousin 
either. Oh, take me with you ! ” 

Gordon lifted her head and looked in her face. 
It was very pale, and the crimson blood was flow- 
ing from her mouth. 

She was really very much excited. It wanted 
but one week of his departure. She was afraid 
she should lose him after all. 

He tried to soothe her to a more quiet state of 
mind, and said : 

Julia, there is but one way in which I can 
take you with me” — and he was as pale as death 
as he said this. 

^^And how is that, my dear cousin?” said Julia, 
sobbing. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


193 


“ That is for you to become my wife.” 

Ah ! what unbounded ecstasy filled her heart 
as she heard this ! At last her plan was crowned 
with success, and she too gladly gave the answer ; 
which I leave to you, reader, to guess. So the 
die was cast. Will she ever wear the Dalhurst 
diamonds ? 


194 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTEE XVIIL 

^ THE PRIMA DONNA. 

I T was evening in the great city of St. Peters- 
burg; and six years since Gordon Ralston, 
with a weary heart, asked J ulia Brent to be his 
wife. 

In an elegant cottage, on one of the broadest 
streets of the Russian capital, dwelt Mr. Yon 
Herchien, the great German master,’' and his 
lovely wife. For nearly six years St. Petersburg 
had been their home. 

It was in this city that Mr. Yon Herchien in- 
troduced his protegee on the public boards two 
years before, where she created a great sensation 
and met with unbounded success. 

She was the pride and pet of the great music- 
loving city. 

On this night she was to make her farewell 
appearance for the season, and the great opera 
house was crowded from pit to dome. There was 
not even standing room; and when the prima 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


195 


donna made her appearance, the building shook to 
its very foundations, with the applause of the 
audience, who never tired of gazing on the most 
beautiful woman in the city, whose voice had 
power and scope, as no other voice had ever had, 
in that large building. 

^^Look, Gordon,” said Julia, or rather Mrs. 
Ralston, touching her husband on the arm, who 
was looking at the party in the royal box. Look 
at Miss St. James.” 

Gordon Ralston cast his eyes upon the stage, 
and, as he did so, he saw the eyes of Miss St. 
James cast toward him. 

He was spell-bound for the time, in gazing on 
that rare, lovely face. 

Isn’t she magnificent, Gordon?” said his wife, 
turning to him. 

And with truth he replied : She is the most 
magnificent woman I ever saw.” And his eyes 
never left the face and form of Miss St. J ames, 
who was now pouring out her soul in song ; and 
that voice, the sweetest, the grandest, the most 
powerful, he had ever heard. 

He felt as if he could gaze on that form and 


196 


A HEAET TWICE WON. 


face, and listen to that voice, and never grow 
weary. 

Poor Gordon ! The May following Kate’s death 
he had married Julia Brent and taken her to 
England and to Dal hurst Castle. 

Before his marriage he had loved J ulia as a dear 
sister ; but now, that she was his wife and a nearer 
relationship gave a better opportunity of studying 
her character, he found her wanting in many 
things. She was exceedingly fond of dress and 
admiration, and very exacting, and he felt her 
inferiority to her he had learned to love so soon 
after marriage. But Julia, with all her soft, 
cooing ways, has never occupied the place in his 
heart that poor, plain Kate once held. 

She is conscious of this fact, which galls 
her pride and makes her very unhappy, and now 
as she watches his wrapped admiration of Miss 
St. James, her face turns pale, and she says, in 
a low voice : 

^^Do not devour the prima donna with your 
eyes ; you will attract attention.” 

But he heeds her not, and his eyes never wan- 
dered from Miss St. J ames’ face. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


197 


Reader, let us describe Miss St. James, as she 
appeared this night, in all her glorious, fully- 
developed womanhood. 

She is above the medium height of women, well 
and beautifully proportioned. She wears a rich 
black velvet train, low in the neck, with long 
flowing sleeves. The dress shows the beautifully 
curved neck of alabaster purity to perfection. No 
jewels rest on its fairness. The eyes are large 
and of a dark, tender gray, bordering at times 
upon black. The magnificent dark brown hair is 
wound in heavy coils at the back of the well- 
shaped head, and confined by a jewelled comb; 
while a few natural curls fall gracefully on the 
white shoulders. The hair is lifted from the left 
temple, and pinned up by a bright diamond 
crescent, showing the low, full broad brow to the 
best advantage. She wears no other jewels with 
the exception of a ruby ring of rare value, and 
this, during her song, is turned on the inside of 
her hand. Was it by accident? Gordon felt he 
would like to know. But why was he so absorbed 
in this stranger? They had never met before, he 
told himself, and why was it he was so drawn 


198 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


towards her ? It is her voice, he thought, and not 
her beauty. 

Several times during the opera, he felt the eyes 
of Miss St. James resting upon him, with a 
peculiar expression in their dark depths. 

Julia levelled her glasses at the prima donna, 
and the lovely eyes dropped to the floor, and the 
long lashes rested on the pure marble cheeks, and 
for a moment the voice faltered or half died away. 
But it was only for a moment, however; then it 
arose again in such a grand burst of triumph, that 
every part of the large, crowded building was 
filled with the grand and glorious voice. When 
the song was finished, a shower of flowers fell at 
her feet. There w’ere two bouquets of rare and 
exquisite beauty. One was thrown from a box 
by a young nobleman. The other was thrown 
by a bright, golden-haired boy, seated beside 
Mrs. Von Herchien, on the other side of the 
house. This was the first one the prima donna 
picked up, and pressed tenderly to her lips, and 
her beautiful eyes rested on the boy’s face, and a 
delicate blush stole softly over her face to the very 
temples. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


199 


She stooped and took up the other bouquet, 
then dropped it suddenly, as if a serpent had 
stung her; and the eyes wandered to the hice of 
the scion of nobility who threw it, and scorn and 
contempt flashed from her eye§. 

Gordon saw this, and, for a time, his heart 
stopped beating. He had seen a look like this on 
a woman’s face once before. Yes, on the face of 
his young wife, when he accused her of taking 
money from his desk, far away in the long ago. 
z\nd oh ! how long it seemed to him ! When a 
weary sigh escaped his heart, at length, as he 
seemed to live over again the few happy days he 
had spent with her who was now sleeping in a 
dishonored grave in a quiet corner of beautiful 
Hollywood — fort here he had written to have her 
remains placed. 

But when he saw Miss St. James turn and look 
on her childish admirer, all trace of scorn had left 
her face. He followed the direction of her eyes, 
and he saw a vision of rare boyish loveliness. He 
appeared to be between five and six years of age, 
with golden hair, large, bright, tender blue eyes,* 
and a sweet, sad mouth, for one of his tender years. 


200 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Mr. Ralston was very fond of children ; but no 
child had crowned his union with Julia, and in- 
stinctively his heart was drawn toward this boy. 
He looked at the lady the boy was with, and his 
face lighted up, as he recognized his old neighbor, 
sweet Fannie Bristo, and turning to his wife he 
said : 

There is Mrs. Yon Herchien, from Virginia. 
How pleasant to meet one friendly face in this 
far-off land!" 

Julia looked in the box, and her gaze was not 
fixed on Fannie, but on the face of the golden- 
haired boy at her side. She scanned his features 
long and earnestly, then turned her eyes on her 
husband, and he saw she was very pale. 

“You are ill, Julia,” he said, with some interest 
in her welfare. 

“ Oh, it is nothing,” she replied ; “ but I never 
did like Mrs. Yon Herchien, and I hope you will 
not expect me to call on her.” 

“ I shall not ask you to do any thing that would 
be unpleasant to you, Julia. But that will not 
prevent me from calling on Fannie. And besides 
talking over old days in Virginia, I’m very anxious 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


201 


to learn the history of Miss St. James. I think 
she is an American.” 

^^You seem to be very deeply interested in 
this opera singer, Mr. Ralston,” said his wife, 
coldly. 

He saw from her face and the tone of her voice 
that she was very much displeased; and so he 
said nothing more, but he feasted his eyes on the 
face of the prima donna as long as she remained 
on the stage, and when the opera was over, and 
she came before the curtain for the third time to 
appease the wild multitude, he felt as the storm- 
tossed mariner must feel when the last bright star 
is overcast by the dark storm clouds. 

Pie made himself known to Mrs. Yon Herchien, 
and obtained her address, with a promise to call 
the next day. 

Do so,” said Fannie, kindly ; for the first of 
the week we all go to Paris.” 

That night, after Gordon Ralston and his wife 
reached their hotel, the former said : 

Do you know who Miss St. James reminds 
me of, Julia ? ” 

No,” said she, pettishly ; whoever it is, she is 


202 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


not as fine-looking as I at first thought her. But 
who is it, pray ? ” 

I think,” said Gordon, she is very much like 
what aunt Katherine, the Countess of Dalhurst, 
must have been at her age. And it is said she 
was the finest-looking woman in England when 
she married the Earl.” 

if Yery likely,” said Julia, dryly; for she was ill 
at ease, from some cause or other, but why it was 
she could not tell, unless it was the remembrance 
of the little boy she had seen at the opera. He 
was ever before her, with his bright, golden hair, 
and lovely blue eyes, with that sweet, sad smile 
around the pretty mouth. But why do I let 
Fannie’s child bother me ? He is like his mother, 
and it is my imagination that he looks like 
Gordon. And now, on the whole, I think I will 
call with him to-morrow, and have one more look 
at this child. What if, after all, that girl did not 
die, and this Fannie Yon Herchien has befriended 
her ! But no, no, this cannot be. I am becoming 
nervous. She is buried in the grave in Virginia, 
and the grave cannot give up its dead.” And a 
cold, sickening shudder ran through her frame at 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


203 


the bare thought of the grave giving up her 
dead — poor, pale, heart-broken, outcast Kate ! 

When the morrow came, and Gordon was 
preparing to start to pay Mrs. Yon Herchien the 
promised visit, he was surprised at hearing Julia 
say she had changed her mind, and would accom- 
pany him. 


204 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


JUST ONE KISS. 


RAPID drive over the glittering snow-clad 



JLX. streets soon brought them to the cottage 
of Mr. Yon Herchien. It was small but very 
elegant; and here sweet Fannie enjoyed the 
goods God sent her. There was but one cloud to 
dim the sunshine of her happiness ; and this one 
cloud was the continued coldness of her parents, 
who had never so far forgiven her as to answer 
one of the many letters she had written them. 

She had heard nothing from them in the 
last three years. This morning, when she was 
expecting Gordon Ralston, she thinks perhaps 
to hear of them through him; and a glad light 
beams from her sunny face. But her face grows 
brighter still, as Miss St. J ames enters the pleasant 
little morning room with a child clinging to each 
hand — the bright-eyed boy in whom Julia was 
so interested, and a girl of three summers with a 
dark, sparkling, gypsy face. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


205 


The fond mother presses them to her heart, 
as she exclaims : 

These are worth all the world, dear Katherine ; 
I would not exchange any lot, to be a queen.” 

Just then Mr. Yon Herchien entered the door, 
and overheard this remark; and his dark eyes 
lighted up with a holy joy, as he stepped forward 
and pressed the trio to his heart. Theirs was a 
union of hearts as well as hands ; and no blighting 
shadow had ever come between them and their love. 

Miss St. James stepped back and gazed on them, 
and for a moment her beautiful face was over- 
shadowed with pain, as the golden-haired boy 
twined his arms around Mr. Yon Herchien’s neck, 
exclaiming : 

Shame on you, papa, for kissing mamma before 
Miss St. James !” 

^^And why should I be ashamed, Lester, my 
lad?” said Mr. Yon Herchien, laughing. 

I don’t exactly know,” said the boy, but it 
don’t seem right ; for Miss St. J ames looks so sad, 
somehow.” 

‘^And do you care so much for her opinion, 
my man ?” 


206 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Oh, yes ! I would not do anything in the world 
to vex Miss St. James. And when you kiss 
mamma and sister, and me, before her, she always 
looks grieved and sad.” 

As little Lester spoke, he went and took the 
hand of the beautiful woman standing there with 
that look of despair on her face. 

‘^Ah ! the all-absorbing love this boy of ours 
has for Miss St. James,” said Mr. Von Herchien. 
^^His heart is as deeply touched as the young 
nobleman’s, who threw the bouquet and diamond 
ring, last night. 

But, Miss St. James, the look of scorn you 
gave him will have a tendency to cool his ardor 
somewhat.” 

J ust then the servant appeared, bearing the 
cards of Mr. and Mrs. Ralston. 

Show them into the reception-room,” said 
Fannie, while Miss St. James sank wearily into 
a chair and covered her face with her hands. 

When Fannie met her visitors, she raised her 
eyes to J ulia’s face, exclaiming, 

^^Are you Mrs. Ralston? why, how is this?” 

Gordon’s face assumed an almost deathly pallor, 
as he said : 


A HEART TWICE WON 


207 


Fannie — Mrs. Yon Herchien — did you not 
know that I was married the second time?” 

Julia’s face flushed with wounded pride; for 
Mrs. Yon Herchien was a woman she had never 
liked, and she felt there was more in this remark 
than surprise, as she said : You Mrs. Ralston?” 

And Julia felt that within her guilty soul, 
which said. How dare you take the place of inno- 
cent Kate Blackburn ? 

Oh, yes — come to think, I did see an ac^count 
of sweet Kate’s death, the winter before we left 
the United States. 

But, tell me, Mr. Ralston, when you left Yir- 
ginia ? And do you know anything of my father 
and mother?” 

It will be six years in May, since I left Yir- 
ginia,” said Mr. Ralston ; but I receive letters 
from there every few weeks. Last November, 1 
heard that your mother and father had returned 
to their home, and were in excellent health. In 
fact, I had a letter from your father himself, 
urging me to return to Wimberlie house. He 
thinks it would seem more natural, as he and your 
mother are very lonely at the Lodge.” 

13 


208 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


‘^Poor papa and mamma/’ said Fannie, wish 
they knew how good and kind Mr. Yon Herchien 
is, and how very happy I am.” 

You must, indeed, be happy, to be the mother 
of that lovely boy we saw with you last night,” 
said Julia, at length. 

^^Ah, yes ! I am happy in the love of my 
children ; ” and the beautiful, mother-love beamed 
from Fannie’s sweet face, as she replied : 

Lester is a fine boy. I also have a little girl, 
two years younger. Beatrice is like her father, 
dark as Lester is fair.” 

I would like so much to see your children,” 
said Julia, glad of a chance to look' at the boy 
Sfiore closely. 

Certainly,” said Fannie, proudly, ringing the 
bell. And to the servant who appeared, she said : 

“ Tell nurse to bring the children to this room 
to see company.” 

After the servant had disappeared, Mr. Ralston 
turned to Mrs. Yon Herchien, and said : 

^^Will we have the pleasure of meeting Miss 
St. James this morning?” 

I fear not, Mr. Ralston ; she never sees com- 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


209 


pany, except on business connected with her 
profession.” 

am very sorry,” replied Gordon; ^^but I 
have taken a deep interest in her ever since I 
heard her sweet voice last night. To what 
country does she belong? She must be English 
or American, judging by the name ?” 

‘^You are right, Mr. Kalston. She is an 
American and a Virginian as well as ourselves.” 

Then indeed you must be very proud of her,” 
said Mr. Ralston. 

So we are proud of her,” replied Fannie ; “ for 
she is one of the purest and sweetest girls in the 
world.” 

“Tell me her history,” said Gordon, though tfullj?^ 

“ Oh, her history is soon told,” replied Fannie, 
smiling. “She was born in Norfolk, Virginia; at 
an early age was thrown upon the world to the 
care of strangers. By some means or other she 
came to Baltimore to make her own living. She 
had been told she had a fine voice ; and hearing of 
my husband, she came to him. Mr. Von Herchien 
was delighted with her voice. He saw that she 
possessed talent of the highest order, and advised 


210 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


her to cultivate her voice by all means. She 
devoted two years to study, and two years ago she 
made her dehut in this city. Now, Mr. Ralston, 
you can judge for yourself as to whether she does 
justice to my husband’s expectations. Here in 
St. Petersburg, or in every other city in which 
she has appeared, she is called the Queen of -Song.” 

Just then the children came in with their nurse, 
followed by Mr. Yon Herchien. Fannie presented 
him to her visitors, and also presented her 
children, Lester and Beatrice.” Lester held out 
his little hand to Mr. Ralston, who involuntarily 
stooped and kissed the sad, beautiful mouth. 
Julia also asked for a kiss; and Lester’s blue eyes 
looked up into her black ones and he shook his 
golden head, as he said : 

I never kiss any lady except mamma and 
Miss St. James.” 

Julia laughed, while her face turned very red. 
Fannie saw that she scanned the boy very 
closely through her half-closed eyes. Her gaze 
wandered from Lester to Mr. Ralston’s face ; then 
back again to the boy’s. Then she shot a keen, 
quick glance at Fannie ; but her sweet, sunny face 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


211 


was as calm as a May morning, and Julia was 
puzzled. She was also disappointed in not getting 
to see the opera-singer. She felt there was a 
mystery in the life of Miss St. James; and her 
history, as Fannie had given it, was not at all 
satishictory. And she made up her mind that she 
would see and speak to this woman, even if she 
followed her to Paris. When they were ready to 
depart, Mr. Ralston said : 

“Will Miss St. James appear in London this 
season ?” 

“Yes,” replied Mr. Yon Herchien, “we will be 
in London the first of March — where Miss St. 
James will close her engagements for the season. 
Then we will repair to Burwick for the summer 
months.” 

“ Then,” said Mr. Ralston, “ I hope to have the 
exquisite pleasure of hearing her voice again ; for 
I am passionately fond of music.” 

When her visitors were gone, Fannie went into 
the back parlor and found Miss St. James lying in 
a deep swoon. 

“ Poor child, poor Katherine, I should have 
spared you this ! I should not have let them 


212 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


come; for, in so doing, you have endured the 
agonies of death ! ” 

Fannie bathed her friend’s face in cologne until 
the weary eyelids lifted. In a little while she 
lifted her weary head, and said : 

“There, my friend, the bitterness of death is 
past ; for never again will a voice have power to 
move me so. I thought my poor heart broke 
years ago — and I saw him press his lips to that 
innocent boy.” 

“ Come, my dear, try to forget this little scene, 
and be yourself again. And remember there is 
justice in the world to come, if not in this,” 
said Fannie, looking sorrowfully into the face 
of her beautiful friend. 

“Yes,” said the weary one; “but it seems so 
long to wait.” 

Just then was heard the sound of childish 
laughter, and Miss St. James’ face lighted up with 
the love and joy so deep, so tender, that it gave 
her the appearance of an angelic rather than a 
human being. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


213 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE DEAD ALIVE AGAIN. 

* 1 r very strange it seems to have the 
JL Countess gone from the castle ! I miss 
her so much,” said Mrs. Wathon to her lovely 
niece, Florence Howard. “ The Earl may thank 
you, my dear, for lifting her from her former 
desponding state.” 

“And you, also, aunty,” said the girl, fondly. 

Mrs. Wathon is still very young-looking, and as 
kind and noble as when she was housekeeper at 
Wimberlie house. All her husband’s vast wealth, 
and her beautiful surroundings, have not changed 
her heart in the least. She is the bosom friend of 
the Countess of Dalhurst; while sweet Florence 
almost fills a daughter’s place in the hearts of 
the old Earl and the Countess. 

The Countess is now in London, at their town- 
house in Belgravia. 

Mrs. Gordon Ralston prefers London to the 
castle in the winter season. It was a great under- 


214 


A HEART T^YICE WON. 


taking to prevail upon the Countess to give up the 
quiet retirement of the castle, where she had 
remained shut up for so many years from the 
society of the world. 

But Mrs. Wathon and Florence united their 
powers of persuasion to that of the Earl, Gordon, 
and Julia. And at last the Countess consented 
to go, provided Florence would accompany 
them. 

The day before they were to start for the city, 
the young -Gieir of Rose Manor” was taken ill, 
and Florence, who was very much attached to her 
‘kittle cousin,” would not leave her home until he 
was better; but the child’s illness did not prove 
serious, and in a few days Florence was to join the 
Countess. 

^^Do you know, aunt Joe, that I have taken a 
great dislike to Mrs. Ralston ? She is so very 
different from sweet, plain, confiding Kate. I 
can’t see whatever possessed Mr. Ralston to marry 
her so soon after Kate’s death.” 

^^Ah, my dear Florence,” replied Mrs. Wathon, 
there is more in this than I can fathom. Mr. 
Ralston said he had learned to love Kate. But 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


215 


it could not have been so ; and as to her proving 
false to him, I cannot, and will not believe it. 

I know he thinks I doubt his veracity in this 
case ; for he is very cold and reserved towards me. 

^^Once, when he was talking with me of dear 
Kate, he very quickly asked me if I knew her 
father or her mother. His eyes seemed to be 
reading my very soul, as he said this ; and when 
I replied that I did not, he said : 

‘‘How dare you, Mrs. Wathon, tell me this, 
when you know better ? But do not be afraid : I 
will not expose you. 

“ He would give me no explanation of his 
strange words; but I hope some day to under- 
stand his meaning. His wife has done every- 
thing she can to set the Countess against me — 
calling me her aunt’s former housekeeper, and 
so on. But the Countess is a Avoman of sense, and 
I believe she loves me as well as if I had sprung 
from the royal house of England.” 

“ Yes, aunt Joe. The Countess is a woman of 
sense,” replied Florence ; “ and she has a great 
antipathy for the woman who is to ta-ke her place 
as Countess of Dalhurst, when she shall have 


216 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


passed away. You know the Countess is the last 
one of her race, and her wealth far exceeds that 
of the Earl. She has as fine a collection of jewels 
as there is in England. She presented me with 
one heirloom of rare and exquisite beauty; and 
I have entirely forgotten to show it to you.” 

Florence left the room, but soon returned and 
placed in her aunt’s hand a chain and locket of 
rare workmanship. 

All the color left Mrs. Wathon’s face, and the 
eyes that sought her niece’s face were wild with a 
strange excitement, as she said : 

In the name of heaven, how came this in the 
Countess’ possession ? I have seen this locket 
before in Virginia.’’ 

You must be mistaken, aunt Joe,” said Flor- 
ence; ‘‘for the Countess said this was bought for 
herself, on her tenth birthday. You know she 
had a twin-sister, named Kathleen, who died 
before she reached womanhood, and both the little 
Ladies Katherine and Kathleen were presented 
with those lockets. And when the Countess’ little 
girl was born, she clasped the locket belonging to 
her dead sister around her daughter’s neck. She 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


217 


says when the body of little Lady Katherine was 
taken from the lake, the locket was gone.’’ 

Stay, Florence, my child, what is this abqut 
the birthmark ? The crimson rose on the right 
arm? The rose and the heart-shaped locket?” 
And with trembling fingers she opened the locket 
to see what it contained. She saw the face of 
the Countess in her youth, and two little locks of 
dark-brown hair. Florence ! — my God ! there is 
some deep mystery at the bottom of all this. I 
firmly believe the child my brother Royal saved 
and placed in my arms was the little Lady 
Katherine Ralston. Mrs. Wimberlie must have 
had good reason to think so too; and that is 
why she wished her son to marry my ^ sea-bird.’ 
She must have thought, if the heir was dead, her 
son would inherit the title, and a marriage 
between Gordon and the Earl’s daughter would 
also secure to him the Countess’ wealth. She 
promised to make a revelation to Gordon the 
night on which she died and on which Gordon 
and Kate were married ; but before she could do 
so her voice was silenced in death. 0 Provi- 
dence ! how mysterious are thy ways ! Here is a 


218 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


mystery to unravel. I must see the Earl as soon 
as possible. But we must be very careful not to ex- 
cite the Countess. Do you know if Mr. and Mrs. 
Ralston have returned from St. Petersburg yet?” 

They bad not when I received the Countess’ 
last letter,” said Florence, but she was expecting 
them every day.” 

^^And now, Florence, it is nearly time to dress 
for dinner. Your uncle is to bring out bis new 
bank clerk to-day to dine with us. He is an 
American, and I am very anxious to see him. 
And to-night, after the departure of our guest, 
and little Halbert is sleeping, we will talk this 
mystery over with your uncle, and ask his advice. 
Florence, you are one of the sweetest girls in the 
world. I don’t believe you have ever harbored 
one hard thought towards me, for bringing Mittle 
Hally ’ into the world to rob you of your inheri- 
tance.” 

“ Have hard thoughts toward you, aunt Joe ! 
How could you think me capable of such a thing? 
I would not be without little Hally for all the 
estates in England. You and uncle Halbert have 
been very kind to me,” and Florence wound her 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


219 


arms around lier aunt’s neck, and kissed her 
again and again. Then she released her aunt, 
and went softly to the nursery, where little Hal- 
bert Wathon lay sleeping. She fell upon her 
knees beside his snowy bed, and prayed that God 
would spare this little one, whom he had given to 
his parents in their old age; for Mrs. Wathon 
was forty-five years old when she pressed the 
mother’s kiss upon the brow of her baby-boy. 

Half an hour later, when Mrs. Wathon came in 
to kiss her son, she found the golden head of Flor- 
ence resting on his pillow, with one little, chubby 
hand clasped in hers. It was a beautiful and 
touching sight to Mrs. Wathon, who glided softly 
out of the room and went to meet her husband 
and their expected guest. They had arrived 
before her, and when she entered the drawing- 
room, her husband arose to present his guest to 
her. When she caught a glimpse of his face a 
cry of astonishment escaped her lips, and she 
came near falling, for she stood face to face with 
Frank Brent, who seemed to be in perfect health. 

A glad surprise lighted up Frank’s face as he 
said, Why, dear aunt Joe, of Wimberlie house. 


220 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


you the wife of my employer ! I little expected to 
meet an old friend, when I consented to come to 
Mr. Wathon’s beautifal home.” 

Frank had been a great favorite with Mrs. 
Wathon at Wimberlie house, and her greeting 
was warm and cordial, as she took both of his 
hands and bade him welcome to beautiful Rose 
Manor.” 

Then turning to her husband, she said, This 
is one of your tricks, Hally ; you knew this was 
the Frank Brent of whom you have so often heard 
me speak. Why did you not tell me and spare 
my nerves this great shock ? For you know I 
thought him dead.” 

You see, Josie, I did not know but that there 
might be some mistake,” said her husband, so I 
thought I would just bring Mr. Brent out; and if 
he was the man I took him for, you would know 
it. And I’m very glad he proves to be an old 
friend. So we will just have him move his 
quarters from his Burwick boarding-house here 
with us.” 

Yes, indeed,” said his wife, smiling. I 
would not feel like I was a Virginian, if I per- 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


221 


mitted him to stay in town, when we have so 
much room here.” 

After they were seated, she turned to her guest, 
and said, Please tell me, Mr. Brent, how it is 
that you are alive and well, when everybody, 
even to your sister, has looked upon you as 
dead ?” 

Oh, that is easily enough accounted for. 
After the loss of the ^ Bonny Belle’ I was picked 
up by an ‘ English merchantman ’ and brought to 
Liverpool. Here I found a vessel ready to start 
for Australia ; and having lost everything I had 
in the wreck, I worked my passage in this vessel 
to Melbourne. After some little trouble I found 
employment in the great banking-house of Mark- 
ham & Wathon, where I remained for four years. 
Then I began to grow restless; Mr. Markham 
advised me to come either to their house in Lon- 
don or Burwick. I chose the latter. I had a 
great curiosity to see Mr. Wathon. I had heard 
so much of him during my stay in Melbourne. 
And you say my sister thinks me dead ? Do you 
ever hear of her ? But, of course, you correspond 
with Kate — Mrs. Kalston, I mean.” And as he 


222 A HEART TWICE WON. 

looked into Mrs. Wathon’s face he saw a change 
from a happy expression to one of sorrow. 

Mr. Brent, is it possible that you do not know 
of your sister’s whereabouts, and that Kate is 
dead? Julia has been Gordon Kalston’s wife for 
the last six years; and has been at Dalhurst Castle 
most of the time.” 

Dead ! Kate Ealston dead ! And Gordon mar- 
ried to J ulia ! ” Frank’s face was very white ; his 
voice sounded hoarse and strange. After he could 
sufficiently command his voice, he asked, Of 
what did Mrs. Ealston die?” 

Mrs. Wathon was speaking of her sea-bird, and 
her voice trembled, as she said : 

‘^Of heart disease. Yes, of a broken heart. 
Mr. Ealston obtained a divorce from her in 
October, after you left Virginia in July, and she 
died the January following, in Eichmond. And 
the next May, Mr. Ealston married Julia, and 
brought her tcTDalhurst Castle. They have never 
returned to Virginia.” 

^^I’ve seen the names of Gordon Ealston and 
his wife,” said Frank, ^Gn several English papers, 
at different times, but supposed it was Kate, of 


course. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


223 


Here Florence Howard glided into the room, 
looking like a fair, delicate lily. 

She was tastefully arrayed in a dinner dress of 
blue silk, with soft, rich lace at the swan-like throat, 
and falling over her fair, delicate hands. Her 
golden hair was becomingly arranged, and a cluster 
of sweet violets was twined among the shining 
curls, which fell in a halo of glory on her shoulders, 
and a sweet, happy smile wreathed the coral lips. 

Mr. Wathon arose, and presented Miss Howard 
to his guest. Florence had often heard her aunt 
speak of Frank Brent and of his supposed sad fate ; 
and her blue eyes expressed the surprise she felt, 
and Mrs. Wathon hastened to explain how he 
was there. 

Frank 'was a great admirer of beauty, and after 
gazing on Florence’s face, he gave one heartfelt 
sigh to the memory of his early love, and he 
thought Florence the most beautiful girl he had 
ever s^een. But not so lovely as Kate would 
have been,” he thought, had she lived to years 
of maturity.” 

In a short time the young heir was brought in. 
Frank was very fond of children, and he and 

little Halbert were soon fast friends. 

14 


224 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


The evening passed quietly in pleasant conver- 
sation^ mostly of bygone days in Virginia, and 
when he left for Burwick, Frank said to himself, 
‘^When Mr. Wathon returns from London, I will 
get leave of absence for a few days, and run down 
and see Julia. Is it possible she could have 
had anything to do with this separation of Gordon 
and Kate ? I wish I knew.” 

On the next day he moved his effects to Rose 
Manor, for his friends would hear of nothing else, 
and when, several days after, Florence received a 
letter from the Countess, saying if she did not 
come down soon she should return to the castle 
again, Florence was loth to leave Rose Manor 
now, for she found the new addition to their 
household very pleasant indeed. 

When Mr. Wathon and Florence started for 
London, Frank said : 

Do not make my presence known to Julia, as 
I wish to give her a pleasant surprise.” 

Florence thought there was a tinge of bitterness 
in the tone of his voice as he said this ; and she 
left him, with a puzzled look upon her face. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


225 


CHAPTER XXL 

A DEAR MISTAKE. 

LL London was wild over the new *^star” 



jLX that had arisen on the horizon of the music- 
loving world. 

Miss St. James was the subject at all the social 
gatherings, the gentlemen pronouncing her the 
most beautiful woman in the world ; while the 
ladies said she had the sweetest voice and the 
saddest face. They also said she had a history. 
What was it ? had she been disappointed in love ? 
For no man dare approach her. She was as an 
iceberg to those who made so bold as to address 
notes to her, or to send presents. Many costly 
presents, and notes had been thrown her, con- 
cealed in rare and costly bouquets; but she never 
accepted the one or read the other. 

Each night found Gordon Ralston at the opera ; 
and each time he looked upon her beautiful face 
and listened to her glorious voice, his conscience 
would smite him, when he came to analyze the 


226 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


feelings of his heart, and look into the face of his 
beautiful wife, who had not yet had the oppor- 
tunity of speaking with Miss St. James. But she 
had made up her mind to seek that opportunity 
soon. The old Earl was also in love with Miss^ 
St. James, and he and Florence, at last, prevailed 
upon the Countess to go and see this glorious 
creature, and to hear the sweet, thrilling voice. 

And she, too, caught the infection. 

Robert, my husband,” said the Countess, we 
must cultivate this beautiful woman’s acquaint- 
ance. You and my dear Florence have hxirly got 
me launched into society again; and with two 
such lovely girls as Miss St. James and Miss 
Howard, the castle will be the most attractive 
place in England.” 

‘^And Mrs. Gordon Ralston,” said the Earl, 
smilingly. *“ 

“Yes; and Mrs. Gordon Ralston,” said the 
Countess, coldly. “What a pity our nephew 
married before reaching the shores of England ! 
Perhaps he would have fancied our Florence. 
What a lovely Countess of Dalhurst you would 
make!” said the Countess, drawing the blushing 
girl to her side. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


227 


^^What? — I a Countess!” said Florence, 
laughing. Oh, no, I could never fill so exalted 
and dignified a position with credit. You know I 
could not even be ‘my Lady Waldo,’” she said, 
archly. 

“Ah!” said the Countess, with a weary sigh, 
“ had my own Lyric lived and met you, and 
presented you to me as my daughter, I could have 
craved no greater boon.” 

Florence playfully put her hand over the 
Countess’ mouth to silence her, while the blushes 
went and came upon her pale face. The Earl 
turned suddenly to the Countess, and said : 

“ My dear, is there no one you remember in the 
past that Gordon’s wife reminds you of?” 

“Yes,” replied she. “She reminds me of him 
whose name I never want to speak. That is why 
I cannot love her. has the same eyes, and 

the same low, cooing, dove-like voice. But, my 
lord, let us change the subject. I am more deeply 
interested in this bright and beautiful ‘star’ — 
with whom you, my lord, and all the other men 
in town are in love — than I am in Mrs. Gordon 
Kalston,” and the Countess smiled on the Earl. 


228 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


She is grand — superb ! She would grace a 
throne with her magnificent form, her pure 
complexion, and her sweet and beautiful face. 
Oh, if Gordon had married such a creature as she 
is, I could have reconciled myself to lie down and 
sleep with my children.” Presently her face 
brightened, as she said : “ I have it. Gordon is 
well acquainted with Mrs. Yon Herchien. Now 
Florence and myself will call on her and Miss St. 
James, and we will prevail upon them to spend a 
few weeks with us this summer. What do you 
say, Florence?” 

‘‘That is the very thing,” replied Florence. 
“ But Mrs. Ralston says Miss St. J ames will not 
see company. She seems to have a great antipathy 
to meeting strangers in her private life. But we 
can try, my dear Countess, if Mr. Ralston will 
accompany us, which I think he will.” 

Just then Julia swept into the rnorning-room 
very elegantly dressed. The Earl arose and went 
forward to meet her. His manner was kind and 
courteous to his nephew’s wife, but he could not 
love her; and she was keen enough to see that 
both he and the Countess tolerated her merely for 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


229 


Gordon’s sake. She had made up her mind not to 
stand this mere tolerance longer. She had been 
Gordon Ralston’s wife for six years, and yet she 
had not worn the Dalhurst diamonds. Once she 
expressed such a strong desire before the Earl to 
see the family jewels, he sent to the Bank — where 
they were deposited for safe-keeping — for them, for 
her to look at ; and her dark face lighted up, and 
her black eyes sparkled, and her heart beat with 
ambitious hope. Would all those gems he hers? 

“ I must possess them now, while I am young to 
enjoy them. Ah, I’ll be the envy of all the ladies 
of society, and the admiration of all the men. 
Will this old wiiite-haired man live forever, and 
keep Gordon out of the Earldom ? No! it shall not 
be. I have hiiled in gaining Gordon’s love — such 
as I crave ; but I will not fail in being Countess 
of Dalhurst, and possessing the Dalhurst diamonds. 
I must get to work ; I am becoming impatient.” 

All these dark thoughts had passed through her 
mind a few days before this March morning, when 
she glided so softly into the morning-room occupied 
by the Earl, the Countess, and Florence. Soon 
after Julia came in they were joined by Gordon, 


230 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


paler than usual, and seeming to be laboring 
under some painful agitation. 

The Countess was the first to note the change 
in his face, and inquire if he were ill. He tried to 
smile, but with a feeble effort, as he said he felt 
very w^ell, with the exception of a slight headache, 
which he hoped would pass away when he took a 
drive in the open air. 

“ Dear Gordon, I do not want you to get sick. 
Florence and myself want you to accompany us to 
Mrs. Yon Herchien’s hotel to-morrow morning. 
We are anxious to call on her and Miss St. James ; 
that is, provided the visit will be agreeable to you.” 

Of course, my dear aunt, it will give me great 
pleasure to do so. I’ve known Mrs. Yon Herchien 
from her childhood. You will find her very pleasing 
in her manners. As she is also a Yirginian, I will 
take pride in presenting you to her. I hope you 
will not be disappointed in meeting Miss St. James.” 

At the mention of that name, a dark frown over- 
spread Julia’s face. She turned it away to conceal 
it from the Earl, however, who was watching her 
narrowly. 

Just then a servant entered, bearing a telegram, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 231 

on a silver waiter, for the Earl. It was from Mr. 
Wathon, the banker, requesting him to come to 
Burwick at once. He made known the contents 
of the telegram to the members of his family; and 
said he should start that evening. 

‘‘And now, my dear Countess, I hope you and 
Florence will be successful in your visit to-morrow. 
On my return, I hope to see you looking better 
than you do, Gordon. You really do look ill.” 

“ It is nothing, my dear uncle ; do not feel 
alarmed. And now, if you will all excuse Mrs 
Ealston and myself, we will go for a drive.” 

At this, the dark cloud disappeared from Julia’s 
face. A drive in the Park, where she would be 
seen and admired by so many, was enough for the 
time being to chase all other thoughts from her 
mind. 

But J ulia was destined to remain at home for 
this day, and to receive two very disagreeable 
surprises. AYhen they reached their own apart- 
ments to prepare for their drive, Julia said : 

“ What does make you look so pale, Mr. 
Ralston?” 

Gordon did not reply ; but laid an open letter 


232 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


in her lap, bidding her read it. It was from John 
Allen, overseer at the manor house, in Virginia, 
and was as follows : 

Manor House, Virginia, Feb, 6th, 18 — . 

^^Mr. Gordon Ralston, Fear Sir: — After six 
long, weary years of search, I have at last found 
what has become of my beautiful daughter, Minnie. 
I traced her to Richmond, and find it was she who 
died in that terrible house, instead of the former 
Mrs. Ralston. 

‘‘ I know it was Minnie, from the description I 
got of her from those who assisted in preparing 
her for the grave. Her clothing had the name 
of Mrs. Ralston on it; but the women said the 
girl they buried did not have the rose on her 
right arm, as Mrs. Ralston had, and her eyes were 
brown instead of gray. So, it was all a mistake. 
It was not the former Mrs. Ralston who died in 
Richmond, but my poor, betrayed Minnie. Mrs. 
Ralston may be living now, for all I know ; though 
we have never seen or heard of her.” 

Julia read the letter to the end. Gordon saw 
her face was ghastly white. It was some time 
before she could even raise her eyes to his face. 
Then her guilty soul was overwhelmed with 
surprise, and she cried out, ^^Dead!” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


233 


CHAPTER XXIL 

A STRANGE VISITOR. 

M rs. yon HERCHIEN and Miss St. James 
were seated in the latter’s room, the morn- 
ing after Julia read the overseer’s letter. 

Miss St. J ames was reading The Times, and the 
happy little mother had some fancy work in her 
hand for her daughter, who was playing with 
Lester on a sofa near her. 

Miss St. James was plainly but elegantly attired 
in a morning robe of drab silk, with a frill of soft 
lace at her fair, delicate throat, and falling over 
the small white hands. There was not a piece of 
jewelry about her, not even a ring. 

At last Fannie laid her work down on her lap, 
and let her eyes rest on the prima donna. How 
fair, sad, sweet and lovely she looked this morn- 
ing, with the nut-brown hair pushed back from 
the low, broad, smooth brow — where the veins so 
blue could be so easily traced ! The beautifully 
formed lips were slightly parted, and the beautiful 


234 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


teeth gleamed like pearls between them. The 
dark brows were beautifully arched, and her dark, 
curling lashes rested on the transparent cheek, 
her eyes being cast on the paper she was reading. 

What a lovely model for an artist!” thought 
Fannie. I do not wonder she attracts so much 
attention, my dear, sweet friend.” 

Miss St. James at length lifted her eyes to Mrs. 
Yon Herchien’s face, and saw her admiring gaze 
tixed upon her, and a slight flush dyed her cheeks. 

‘^Of what are you thinking, dear sister friend?” 
she at length said. 

Of many things,” said Fannie ; “ and one of 
them is this : promise me if Gordon Ralston calls 
on me again, and asks for you, you will see him.” 

At the mention of that name all the color left 
Miss St. James’ face, and her form quivered with 
pain. 

It is best you should, my dear. Mr. Yon Hcr- 
chien and myself were talking of this, this morn- 
ing. Meet him the first time face to face ; school 
your nerves to be nerves of steel — thep the worst 
will be past. Say, will you try to do this for me, 
my dear Katherine?” said Fannie Yon Herchien, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


235 


going to her friend’s side, and twining her arms 
lovingly around her neck. 

I will try to do so,” Miss St. James replied, 
sadly ; “ but I hope he will not call and ask for me.” 
But even then he was at the hotel door, waiting 
for the footman to let down the steps and to assist 
the Countess and Florence to alight. Mrs. Balston 
w^as too much indisposed to accompany them. (We 
will speak more fully of her in another chapter.) 
When a servant entered the room of Miss St. 
James with the cards of Mrs. Von Herchien’s three 
visitors, a look of surprise came over her face, as 
she read aloud, The Countess of Dalhurst, Miss 
Florence Howard, and Gordon Ealston.” 

A low moan escaped Miss St. James. “Oh, 
Fannie, will they ask for me ? ” 

“ I think they will, my love,” she replied. “But 
remember, if you can pass through this ordeal, 
all will go well hereafter.” 

“ Yes, I know,” said Miss St. James ; “ but I 
have had so much to endure, and now this man 
must cross my path to make me live over again 
all those past years of anguish.” And she covered 
her face with her hands, and bitter tears dropped 


236 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


from her eyes, wrung from a torn and bleeding 
heart. 

Fannie knew why those tears were shed, and 
she said, “ Katherine, call your pride to your aid, 
and meet this visitor, if you are called for.’' 

Just then little Lester came to her side; his 
sweet blue eyes looked up into her face, as the 
clear sweet voice said, Please, Miss St. James, 
do not cry. It makes my heart throb so fast, and 
a big lump comes in my throat and nearly chokes 
me to death, when I see you sad and crying. 
Please don’t, it hurts Lester so.” Then, gathering 
the boy to her heart, and raining kisses on his 
face, she said, No more tears, Lester, no more 
tears ; to please you, you darling, innocent child.” 
And a change came over her face. 

Mrs. Yon Herchien need have no fears of her 
now. She could stand face to face with Gordon 
Kalston as calmly as a still and beautiful summer 
morning. And half an hour later, when she 
entered their private parlor, and she was duly 
presented, the gray eyes were as bright as stars, 
while the roses came and went over her beautiful 
face, and winning smiles played around the lovely 
mouth. 

/ 


A HEART TWICE WON. 237 

Miss St. James had appeared fair and beautiful 
on the stage; but how much more radiant she 
looked this morning in all her quiet, gentle, 
womanly loveliness! The Countess’ heart went 
out to her with a strange, tender feeling; and 
Florence looked on her with more admiration 
than one woman usually bestows on another. 

Gordon felt as if he must be sleeping, and this 
calm, fair, beautiful vision was the angel of his 
dreams. The Countess was soon engaged in 
pleasant conversation with Mrs. Yon Herchien. 
And she soon found her all Gordon had said, and 
more. 

Miss St. James turned her attention mostly to 
Florence; in time she led the beautiful girl to 
speak of her home near Burwick, and of her dear, 
kind aunt and uncle, and the little heir, Hally 
Wathon. Miss St. James listened to each word 
as if her life and soul hung on what Florence was 
saying. But she had schooled her heart and her 
face to never betray any emotion. Mr. Ralston 
took little part in the conversation during his 
visit. He was in deep trouble, and the haggard 
look on his face denoted it. The change that had 


238 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


come over him since Fannie saw him in St. 
Petersburg was very great, and before he left she 

S'aid : 

^^Mr. Ralston, I fear the damp atmosphere of 
England does not agree with you*. It does not 
with me, and I think we will return to the 
United States this fall, provided Katherine — I 
mean Miss St. James — is willing. You know we 
depend on her.” 

Katherine !” Gordon repeated, turning a shade 
paler. 

They were standing near a window, some little 
distance from the three ladies, who were con- 
versing. 

Katherine ! ” he said. Do you ever call her 
Kate?” 

The question would have startled most w^omen, 
but Fannie looked up into his face very calmly, 
as she replied — 

We never call her Kate : her name is Kathe- 
rine. But why did you ask me that question, 
Mr. Ralston?” 

I hardly know,” he replied, unless it was 
because I was thinking of one who bears that 


name. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


239 


^^What do you mean, Mr. Ralston? I do not 
understand you. You told me in St. Petersburg 
she was dead, and I read an account of her death 
myself in a Richmond paper, while I was in 
Baltimore.” 

Yes, her death was chronicled ; but it was a 
mistake ; it was Minnie Allen, my overseer’s 
daughter, and not she,” said he, sadly. 

But,” said Fannie, ‘‘ why should you associate 
little, sweet, plain Kate, with that magnificent 
creature yonder?” and she looked at Miss St. 
James as she spoke. It is said she is the most 
beautiful woman in England,” said Fannie, 
jDroudly. 

^^No,” said Gordon, following the direction of 
her gaze, there truly is no comparison. Miss St. 
James is the most elegant woman I ever looked 
upon. But it is strange, Mrs. Yon Herchien, you 
never heard of her in all these years. She 
seemed to have a great love for you.” 

But you must remember, Mr. Ralston, I left 
the United States before you did, and she did not 
have my address, and besides she must have felt 
very humiliated after what followed her removal 
to the manor house.” 

15 


240 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Just then the Countess arose, and, going over to 
where Gordon and Fannie were standing, smilingly 
said : 

What are you two Virginians plotting ? 
There sit two lovely Virginians from one city, 
and here are two from another. And now, for 
the safety of Her Majesty’s kingdom, I have made 
up my mind to have you all with me at the castle 
this summer, where I can keep a watchful eye on 
you all. Now, Mrs. Von Herchien, please don’t 
refuse me. Miss St. James refers me to you; 
there you will meet with more Virginians.” 

‘‘ Indeed !” said Fannie, in some surprise. 

Yes,” said the Countess, Mr. and Mrs. 
Wathon, of ‘Rose Manor.’ They have a lovely 
home near us, , and Mrs. Wathon is a charming 
w^oman. By the way, you must know her, as 
you lived near Wimberlie house? She was Miss 
Carlock.” 

“What? Dear aunt Joe, as we used to call 
her! Oh, I am so glad! I should love so much 
to see her kind face again. We had intended to 
spend some time in Burwick during the summer; 
and if we do I hope to see you often. Countess. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


241 


Miss St. James can use her own pleasure of 
remaining at the castle for a time. But Mr. Von 
Herchien will wish to spend his time with his 
sister, as he has not seen her for several years.” 

The Countess left, satisfied she would gain her 
point. She felt it would be a terrible disappoint- 
ment if she did not. She longed to have this 
lovely being with her all the time, but she loved 
sweet, fair, golden-haired Florence none the less. 
Miss St. James was a bright, radiant, morning- 
star,” shining in calm, magnificent beauty over 
all. Florence was as the little ray of sunshine 
that had, in a measure, chased the dark clouds of 
despair from her heart, warming it into new life. 


242 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XXIIL 

AWAKENED. 

A FEW minutes after Julia read the overseer’s 
letter, the footman knocked at her door, 
and to her command to come in he opened the 
door and ushered in Mr. Frank Brent. She did 
not rise at his entrance; she was too much over- 
come to do so, and her voice was hoarse, strained 
and unnatural, as she cried out : 

Frank — and alive J My God! how is this?” 
and she sank back in an almost dying condition. 

Mr. Ralston hastened to her side at once, and a 
frown overspread his face as he recognized Frank, 
and chided him for appearing before his sister 
without first acquainting her of his existence. 

I beg your pardon, Mr. Ralston,” said Frank, 
coldly; ‘^but you see I wished to surprise my 
beautiful sister, now Mrs. Ralston, but I had 
no idea she would manifest so much emotion at 
sight of me.” 

But, in a short time, Julia recovered her senses, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


243 


and tried to make a show of gladness at her 
brother’s presence ; for Mr. Ralston was there, and 
it would not do otherwise than to appear glad. 
So, after a time, she overwhelmed Frank with her 
sisterly affections, and went on to state how much 
she had suffered in thinking him dead for so 
many years. Frank listened to all this without a 
word, and at length he turned his dark eyes full 
into her own as he said: 

Julia, are you truly glad to see me?” 

She shrank from the fixed look of those eyes, 
and- again her face turned as pale as marble. She 
dropped her eyes to the floor, and her form 
trembled violently as she said : 

Frank, you always were the most doubting 
being I ever knew. Is there anything strange in 
my being glad to see you — my brother, and only 
living relative, whom I have mourned as dead so 
long?” 

Gordon felt very bitter toward Frank in his 
heart; yet, when he thought of Kate dying, he 
did not feel like remaining in the room, and 
arising and excusing himself, he went out, leaving 
the brother and sister to themselves. When they 
were alone, Frank said: 


244 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


How is it, Julia, that I find you here ? Have 
you forgotten the warning I gave you years ago?” 

‘^To what do you allude?” said Julia, now 
assuming a - different tone and manner in the 
absence of Gordon. 

“ You know very well what I mean, Julia. 
How is it that Gordon obtained a divorce from 
Kate, who died of a broken heart? and then of his 
marrying you, for I think he did love her; now 
tell me, what came between them?” 

“It is not for me to speak of the faults and 
actions of the first Mrs. Ralston,” said she, 
haughtily, “and, as to her dying of a broken 
heart, you are mistaken. She is not dead at all, 
that I know of She must be something like 
yourself, she carries a charmed life. But perhaps 
the man with whom she left Wimberlie house 
might give you information on the subject of her 
whereabouts.” 

“ J ulia,” said Frank, “ Kate has been terribly 
wronged, arid I shall feel very sorry for you if it 
was through any machinations of yours that this 
divorce was brought about. For if she is living, 
I will find her, and her wrong shall be righted, if 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


245 


you were a thousand times my sister. This I 
swear, by the eternal God, whom she loved ! She 
was friendless and alone in the world, after the 
protectress of her childhood left her at Wimberlie 
house, as the wife of the proud young master. I 
told her I would be her friend, and I will fulfil 
that promise. Whoever it is that has wronged 
her, I will not spare them,” and a dark, stern look 
settled over Frank’s face, as he looked at his 
sister’s pale face and flashing eyes. 

Of course, find her ; perhaps she will look more 
favorably on you, if you ask her the second time.” 

Hold, madam ! how dare you insult me like 
this ! Kate, if living, is still, in the sight of heaven, 
Gordon Ralston’s wife. For she loved him with 
her whole soul ; therefore, she would be as sacred 
to me as an angel. All thoughts of Kate, as my 
wife, died on that weary day I reached Wimber- 
lie house, and found her Gordon’s wife. And in 
proof thereof I will tell you I am seeking a wife 
in London — even under this very roof I have 
Mr. Wathon’s permission to address Miss Howard 
on the subject of marriage, and shall do so, if 
I have a chance, before I leave town. I shall 


246 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


return to Burwick in a few days. But I must 
first see this ^ wonderful woman/ that all London 
and England are crazy over. And now, as I have 
business to transact for my employer, I shall make 
my visit short this morning. I will see you again, 
however, before I leave town, as I will call on Miss 
Howard this afternoon.’’ 

When Frank left the house in Piccadilly, he 
sauntered on to the Park, as he was anxious to see 
something of London life. He greatly enjoyed 
the many handsome turnouts that swept by him, 
and in listening to the gay conversations of the 
pedestrians gathered about in little groups ; many 
discussing the seemingly one absorbing theme. 
Miss St. James’ voice and her glorious beauty. 

Then Frank fell to wondering what this Miss 
St. James was like. Was she fiiir, with pale, 
bright, golden hair and soft melting blue eyes, like 
Florence, or was she dark, like Julia? He hoped 
not, for he was becoming deeply interested in a 
person he had never met; and he smiled to 
himself. But soon his dark, handsome face was 
overshadowed, as the little, pale, swarthy face of 
the playmate of his boyhood arose before his 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


247 


vision. If not dead, where was she hiding herself 
now ? Who were her friends, or did she have 
any ? Poor Kate ! I would stake my life on her 
purity and goodness!” Near him stood a group 
of three ladies and a gentleman. Suddenly the 
gentleman exclaimed : 

^^Look! there is Miss St. James in the carriage 
approaching us. They are driving slowly. We 
wdll have a good view of her lovely face.” Frank 
looked at the approaching carriage. Its occupants 
were two ladies and two children. 

^^Ah 1 surely,” he said, I know that fair, sweet 
face.” And as the vehicle came up even to where 
he w^as standing, he stepped forward and held out 
his hand, exclaiming: My old friend, ^Fannie 
Bristo !’” 

Mrs. Yon Herchien gave a start, and said : 

Frank Brent, of dear old Virginia — and the 
tease and torment of my life during childhood — 
how delighted I am to meet you! Your sister 
told me you were dead — but I must say you look 
little like a dead man now. Why, Frank, you 
have grown to be real fine-looking — so little like 
the pale, slender boy who used to row with Julia, 


248 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Kate and myself, on the dear old James river. 
But, Mr. Brent, permit me to present my dear 
friend, Miss St. James.” 

Frank lifted his hat and bowed to the great 
prima donna. Then lifting his eyes to her face, 
he saw it was dyed v/ith blushes. He blushed in 
return at so much loveliness. Miss St. James’ 
dark, expressive gray eyes shone like two bright 
stars, and a sweet smile played around the tender 
mouth. Mr. Brent was the first gentleman she 
had met, for years, to call so much animation to 
the beautiful face. Frank, as he gazed on her, felt 
that she was not a stranger to him ; but he could 
not tell when and where they had met before. 
And at last, when Fannie presented the golden- 
haired boy and the little gypsy Beatrice as her 
children, she had to speak to him twice before he 
seemed to hear what she was saying. But when 
he looked upon Lester’s face, and caught the 
expression of the blue eyes, he looked at her with 
astonishment, as he asked : 

^^Did I understand you to say this was your 
child?” 

^^And why not, pray?” said Fannie, laughing. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


249 


Don’t you see he is like me, while Beatrice is 
like my husband, Mr. Von Herchien ? Mr. Brent, 
you must call on us. Mr. Von Herchien is always 
delighted to see any friend of mine.” And she 
drew a card from her pocket and gave it to him 
as her address. 

shall certainly do so with pleasure,” he 
replied ; and as the carriage passed on and he was 
left standing alone, a strange, wild thought came 
in his mind. He started off, as if to overtake Mrs. 
Yon Herchien and her beautiful companion ; then 
he paused again, and said : 

^^No, no; it cannot be! But I will see her 
again to-morrow.” 


250 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XXIY. 

TAKEN TO ACCOUNT. 

I T was one of those raw, damp, drizzling days 
that so often visit London during winter and 
through the month of March. The Earl of Dal- 
hurst had hastened with all possible speed from 
Burwick to his home in London. When the 
Countess met him, she started back in surprise 
and amazement at his strange and altered appear- 
ance. And when she questioned him, he replied 
very reluctantly that nothing had changed him, 
but he believed he was getting old. He was more 
bent, she thought, and his hair and moustache 
were whiter than they were when he went away, 
and his black eyes burned like living coals of fire. 

The Countess saw he was troubled, and she felt 
alarmed for his health ; and when she asked him 
to consult a physician, he tried to allay her fears 
by saying it was nothing but fatigue from travel. 
Half an hour later, he despatched a servant with 
a message to Gordon Ralston to meet him in the 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


251 


library at once, as he wished to see him on impor- 
tant business. When Gordon entered this lofty 
room, with its well-filled book-cases and choice 
collections from every land, he was fairly startled 
at the stern look that shone from the eyes of his 
uncle, as they looked search ingly in his face. 
There was a chilling coldness in the tones of his 
voice as he bade his heir be seated. Gordon com- 
plied with his request, and seated himself where 
the fire-light played fully upon his pale, liaggard 
features. The Earl sat for some time with his 
eyes fixed on the burning bed of coals in the well- 
filled grate, with its polished silver bars. He 
seemed loath to begin the subject on which he had 
summoned Gordon. 

After sitting some time, and until the silence 
was becoming painful to Gordon, the Earl turned 
to him suddenly, and said, Gordon, why is it 
you never told me you were married twice?” and 
he looked his nephew full in the face. 

The Earl saw the change that came over Gor- 
don’s face, and the troubled light that shone from 
his eyes, as he answered : 

My dear uncle, I did not know that my un- 


252 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


happy first marriage would interest you ; so, there- 
fore, I never told you. That is one page in my 
history I never dwell upon,” and a bitter groan 
escaped him. ' 

The Earl felt sorry for him, for he loved Gor- 
don very much, and he said, My dear Gordon, 
of course you have heard how we lost our children 
almost in their infancy, and how, for years, your 
aunt, the Countess, lost her mind in consequence of 
her terrible grief, and how the blow made an old 
man of me before my time. But now I am more 
deeply troubled than I can tell you ; and worst of 
all, I can’t have the sympathy of the Countess. 
I must keep what I have learned during my 
absence from her. But, Gordon, tell me one 
thing : did it never enter your mind who this 
little girl you married, and obtained a divorce from, 
and who afterward died of a broken heart, was?” 

^^No,” said Gordon, wonderingly, ‘Mt never did; 
but why do you seem so agitated, my lord?” said 
Gordon, in some surprise. 

The Earl finally said, ‘^My nephew, I will 
tell you. She was my daughter — ^ the Lady 
Katherine Ralston.’” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 253 

Gordon looked at his uncle in a pitying way, as 
he said, My dear uncle, this must be an halluci- 
nation. What you say is impossible; and now, 
let me tell you : I think Kate Blackburn is still 
living ; but where I do not know,” and he drew 
the overseer’s letter from his breast-pocket and 
handed it to the Earl to read. 

The Earl did so, and when the letter was read 
he arose and commenced to pace the floor with 
rapid strides ; his form seemed to swell and expand 
to something of its youthful glory, as he said, I 
must find this girl. I will go to Virginia and 
seek her there, and if I do not find her I will 
advertise for her in all the leading papers of 
the country. If she lives, I will find her. And 
perhaps I will find my son also. But no,” he 
said, ‘^that may not be: I think Mrs. Wathon told 
me she was the only being saved from the wreck. 
My noble boy, and my precious little Katherine, 
taken from your parents’ loving hearts and your 
lu'ippy homes by a demon, as it were, in human 
shape. Ah ! Eugene Balston, you laid your plans 
well! but no one but a demon would have 
thought of carrying them into execution,” and he 


254 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


threw his hands to his head to quiet the throbbing 
of his brain. 

‘‘ My lord/’ said Gordon, sorrowfully, I do not 
understand your meaning. How could it have 
been your daughter I married, when she is buried 
at' Dal hurst Castle ?” 

She is not buried there,” said the Earl, 
excitedly. There has been a bold plot laid by 
one I supposed dead for many years, to rob the 
Countess and myself of our children. Then, if 
you were out of the way, he would succeed me to 
the Earldom, providing he outlive me. I wonder 
he did not try to destroy you as well. You have 
heard me speak of Eugene Ealston, who was 
supposed to have died years ago ; but he did not 
die then. I feel perfectly assured he managed to 
keep in hiding somewhere; then watched his 
chance to steal my children, substituting the 
bodies of those we found in the lake for them. 
He must have been on his way to some place in 
America to hide them, when the vessel was 
wrecked, and my little daughter was picked up by 
the brother of Mrs. Wathon; and my son Lyric 
and the guilty Eugene must have perished.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


255 


But what proof have you, my lord, that this 
child Mrs. Wathon reared is yours?” said Gordon, 
thoughtfully. 

I have this proof : — when the little Lady 
Katherine left the house, the day she disappeared 
she wore a peculiar gold chain, with a heart- 
shaped locket attached, set with precious stones; 
when the body of the child was found, whom we 
supposed was Lady Katherine, the chain was 
missing. Now Mrs. Wathon tells me this locket 
was on the little two-year-old girl given in her 
charge.” 

Gordon was very pale, and his voice trembled 
as he said : 

“That is no proof, my lord. True, it might 
be even the same locket and still not your child. 
Do not let this wild hope excite you,” said he, 
soothingly. 

“ But,” said the Earl, “ this is not all. Each 
member of the Countess’ family has a birthmark 
of a crimson rose on the right arm ; so did the 
little girl you married. Oh, Gordon ! Gordon ! 
where is my daughter? I demand her at your 
hands.” 

16 


256 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Gordon Ralston bowed his bice in his hands, 
and a low cry escaped his tortured heart. Now it 
flashed upon him, with the rapidity of lightning, 
who Kate was, and why his mother desired her to 
be his wife. She must have known from the 
locket and the birthmark that she was the Earl’s 
daughter. But why had not his mother made 
known this fact to the Countess ? Then he 
reflected if she had, they in all probability would 
have chosen differently for their daughter; and 
she was anxious for him to secure the fortune of 
the Countess through a marriage with her 
daughter. 

Gordon,” said the Earl, why did you obtain 
a divorce from my daughter ? ” 

What answer could Gordon make ? How could 
he tell the Earl, what he believed his daughter 
had done ? How tell him how vile and deceitful 
he thought her to be ? He could not. He merely 
said : 

My lord, I married Kate merely to please my 
mother, without love. We were unsuited to each 
other, and unhappy; and I thought it best for 
us to live apart; and if I had not thought her 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


257 


dead, I should never have called another woman, 
wife.” 

And now this revelation set Gordon to think- 
ing. What did it mean ? He felt like one gro- 
ping in darkness. Where was he to turn? - What 
was he to do ? Oh, if he could have known the 
truth ! 


258 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XXY. 


ALMOST RECOGNIZED. 

E left Frank Brent in the Park, gazing after 



f f the carriage which contained Mrs. Yon 
Herchien and Miss St. James, with a wild tumult 
of thoughts in his brain. This fair, beautiful 


being had awakened strange thoughts in his mind. 


He felt as if he must see her again soon, face to 
face, and the fair, golden-haired boy. ^‘Strange, 
strange. Pm impatient for the morrow ; but I will 
go on and transact the business Mr. Wathon 
intrusted to my care; then call on fair, golden- 
haired Florence. I feel she is my fate. In time 
I may call her my wife, and forget the pale, dark 
face of the love of my childhood.” In the evening 
he called at the house in Piccadilly. 

Julia met him with apparently considerable 
warmth, and took him down to the drawing-room 
and presented him to the Countess, as My dear 
brother, Mr. Brent.” 

The Countess greeted him warmly, and as she 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


259 


looked up and caught the expression of his dark 
eyes fixed full upon her,- a low, faint cry escaped 
her, as she sank pale and trembling into the 
nearest chair, and a wild, unnatural light shone 
from her eyes, .and in a low, broken voice, she 
turned to Julia, and said : 

Did I understand you to say this young gentle- 
man’s name was Brent, and he your brother?” 

Yes, my dear aunt, my brother and only living 
relative,” Julia replied, and a faint, sickly pallor 
overspread her false face. 

^^But why does my brother’s presence excite 
you so?” 

True,” said the Countess, pressing her hands 
to her head ; “ but he is so like the only brother I 
ever had. And there is something in the expres- 
sion of the eyes that reminds me of my own lost 
Lyric.” 

Frank was standing a few feet from where the 
Countess was seated, and as the name Lyric 
dropped from her lips, he involuntarily repeated 
it over to himself twice, and took a step or two 
towards her. 

Something like a half-forgotten dream rose up 


260 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


before him. His lips moved, but no sound came 
from them. He turned as pale as J ulia and the 
Countess. 

Just then Florence came in, looking as fair and 
as fresh as a lovely snow-drop, and after greeting 
Frank, and making inquiries of the loved ones at 
Rose Manor, she noticed how very pale the 
Countess was. In a short time Julia recovered 
her natural appearance, and was as stately as 
ever. 

Frank did not fail to note the sweet, sly blushes 
that played over Florence’s face whenever his 
eyes rested on her, and his heart beat high with 
hope. It is true he had not known her long, but 
his was a case of ^Hove at first sight.” And, to 
tell the truth, Frank had been uppermost in 
Florence’s mind since the first evening he had 
spent with them at Rose Manor. 

Florence’s blushing face gave him encourage- 
ment. Before he left he had an opportunity of 
telling her he had her uncle’s permission to 
address her, and had also engaged her company 
for the opera the next evening. As he was taking 
his leave, J ulia asked : 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


261 


How long will you be in town, Frank?” 

This is Wednesday,” he replied. ‘‘I shall leave 
here on Friday morning. Why do you ask?” 

‘^Oh, nothing. I was in hopes you would 
remain longer.” 

He did not tell Julia of his encounter with 
Fannie Yon Herchien and Miss St. James. Why 
it was he could not tell. 

When he was gone, Mrs. Ralston went up to 
her room, and gave way to a wild burst of stormy 
passion. Her face was colorless, the lips were 
drawn and compressed tightly together, and the 
yellowish black eyes glowed and scintillated like 
a venomous reptile. 

She paced the floor for some time ; then went 
and locked her door to keep out all intruders. 
Then, drawing an easy-chair near the grate, she 
sat down to think what she should do. 

First of all, I will write to my father. He 
must come to my assistance at once. Frank is 
alive, and in England, and has actually met the 
Countess face to face ; and how terribly agitated 
the Countess was! And what meant that strange, 
half-remembrance on Frank’s part? I cannot 


262 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


breathe freely again, while he remains in Eng- 
land. 

^^And this great ^songstress/ Miss St. James, 
whose name is on my husband’s lips, even in sleep. 
I have heard him murmur her name in softer, 
sweeter tones of endearment than he ever uses 
towards me. Then Kate, his first wife, is living ! 
She must be found; and she and Frank must be 
disposed of My father will know best how it 
should be done. And Miss St. James shall also 
be gotten rid of” 

That night at a late hour, when Gordon sought 
her at her room, with a face over which years 
seemed to have passed, she had made up her mind 
to see Miss St. James, if possible. And the next 
day, as soon as she could with etiquette, she sent 
up her card to Mrs. Yon Herchien. Frank 
was there before her, and he watched Miss 
St. James very closely, as his sister’s name was 
announced. 

‘^Of course. Miss St. James, you w411 meet Mrs. 
Ralston this morning? She is the sister of Mr, 
Brent.” 

A slight paleness passed over the fair, beautiful 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


263 


face of Miss St. James, which was succeeded by 
a burning blush, as she said : 

Of course, I will be happy to see any friend 
of yours, Mrs. Von Herchien.” 

Frank thought she laid considerable stress on 
the word friend, and when Julia sailed into the 
room, attired in her rich velvets and ermine, and 
her handsome jewels, and was presented to the 
prima donna, she seemed to take her in at a 
glance. And the voice was very low and dove- 
like, as she expressed her pleasure at being so 
fortunate as to meet the most beautiful woman in 
England ; and the smile which was so distasteful 
to the Countess played around her mouth. 

‘‘Do you know, Miss St. James, I have had a 
great desire to see and converse with you ? You 
remind me so much of a friend of mine.” 

“Indeed!” said Miss St. James, composedly. 

“Yes,” said Julia, while the dark lashes half- 
veiled the large, black eyes. “ You remind me so 
much of my husband’s first wife.” 

As Julia said this, she searched the beautiful 
woman closely; but not a feature changed as 
she said : 


264 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Your husband looks very young to have been 
twice married, Mrs. Ralston. He must have been 
very happy in both marriages. He does not look 
over thirty.'' 

‘^He is just thirty-one," said Julia; ^^and I can 
truly say he has been very happy in his last 
marriage. • His first was what the world calls a 
mesalliance." 

Here Julia caught Frank's eyes fixed upon her; 
there was a warning look in them, which had the 
effect to check her further talk about Gordon’s 
first wife, and, turning to him, she said : 

“ My dear brother, I did not expect to find you 
here. Are you, like all the other men, going 
mad over the voice and beauty of the ^ queen of 
song?"' 

Frank did not like his sister’s tones, as he said : 

^^You know I have the luck of turning up 
when and where you least expect me.” And a 
cold, cynical smile lingered around his mouth as 
he spoke. 

Why was Julia there ? He knew she had but 
little love for Fannie. Did she come with the 
same purpose, and with the same thoughts in her 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


265 


mind as he had ? He felt he would give much to 
know. And after a while, when Julia said : 

‘^Mrs. Von Herchien, I have thought and 
dreamed of nothing but your beautiful boy, since 
I saw him in St. Petersburg. Please let me see 
him this morning.” 

I am very sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. 
Ealston,” said Fannie, mildly. ^‘But Mr. Von 
Herchien has taken the children out for the 
day.” 

A look of disappointment came in Julia’s face, 
and Frank’s, also ; for he, too, was anxious to see 
little Lester again. 

Julia left the hotel with a strange feeling of 
unrest. 

I can’t be mistaken. If it is she, she has more 
self-control than any person I ever met ; but it is 
"well to be on my guard. And woe to her if it is, 
as I sometimes think.” 

After Julia had gone, Fannie excused herself, 
and was absent from the room for a short time, 
and Frank and Miss St. James were left alone. 
Frank turned to her suddenly, and said, with his 
eyes fixed upon hers: 


266 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Kate, why do you hide yourself from your 
second mother so long ? and why is it you bear 
the name of St. James? You may be able to 
deceive Gordon Ralston and others ; but you can’t 
deceive me. I should know you, let me meet you 
wherever I would. For though you have changed 
more in the last seven years than I thought it 
possible for a mortal to change, yet still I know 
you. 

«« Why not make aunt Joe glad, by letting her 
know you still live?” 

The bright, beautiful face of the prima donna 
turned very pale, and the lovely brown head 
hung on her breast; and a quiver shook her 
frame, as she said, lifting her head proudly and 
haughtily : 

^^Of whom do you speak, Mr. Brent? and who 
do you take me for?” And she looked at him 
with a gaze as firm and unflinching as his own. 

Frank was abashed, and looked at her as if he 
did not know what reply to make. At length 
he said : 

“I took you to be Mrs. Ralston, and the friend 
and playmate of my youth.” 


A HJiART TWICE WON. 


267 


You are mistaken,” said Miss St. James, coldly, 
am not Mrs. Ralston ; I am Miss St. James, 
the opera-singer ; ” and she laughed a low, sweet 
laugh. 

Just then, Mrs. Von Herchien returned to the 
room ; and a little while after, when Frank took 
his leave, he was more bewildered than ever. 


268 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XXYL 

^^THOU HAST LEARNED TO LOVE ANOTHER.” 

ALHURST CASTLE, in the rosy month of 



June. How grand and imposing it looked, 
with its wings, and gables, and battlements! 
The evening sun shining on its walls, and lighting 
up the window-panes like sheets of flame, and bath- 
ing the noble tree-tops with all its dying refulgence. 

The evening is quite warm ; but a soft breeze 
wafts the fragrance of the hawthorn through the 
open windows into the room where the Earl is 
lying ill. They had been at the castle but a few 
days, and the Earl was preparing to make a 
journey to the United States in search of his 
daughter, when he was attacked. The best 
physician in Burwick had been called in at once, 
but the Earl’s disease baffled his scientific skill. 
And upon this lovely evening the aged nobleman 
lies, pale and thin, panting for breath. 

Miss St. James comes softly in, with a pale, 
frightened look on her face, and prevailed upon 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


269 


the Countess to go and take some rest, saying she 
would watch by the EarFs bedside. 

The Countess looked at the clock. I will first 
give Kobert his drops ; it is now time.” 

I will attend to it, my dear Countess. You 
are nervous from over-anxiety. Your hand is not 
steady. Go and seek your required rest, and I 
will call you if you are needed.” 

When the Countess was gone. Miss St. James 
drew a bottle from her pocket, ^^fac simile” to 
the one containing the Earl’s drops, which were 
as clear as crystal. This bottle she filled with 
water, and concealed the bottle of medicine in her 
pocket. She was still holding the bottle of water 
in her hand when Julia came in. A change came 
over her dark, evil, but beautiful face, when she 
saw Miss St. James installed as nurse. She said: 
Have you given the Earl his medicine yet ? ” 
No,” replied Miss St. James, as she took up 
the spoon and proceeded to drop it out. 

After the sick man had swallowed it, Julia 
stood and watched his face for some moments, then 
glided softly out, muttering in her dark heart : 

‘^By morning I will be Countess of Dalhurst. 


270 A H^ART TWICE WON. 

My father will soon be here, and it will not be 
long before every obstacle will be swept from my 
path ; and that ^ beautiful queen of song/ as she 
is called, with her high-bred airs, shall Ml as the 
bright waving grass before the reaper. She is in 
my way,’’ and the smile of a demon swept over 
her face. 

Gordon Ralston had never hinted to Julia that 
Kate was the Earl’s daughter. The Earl wished 
this kept from the Countess, as he feared the effect 
this knowledge might have on her mind, and he 
did not know if he would be successful in his 
search. Twice through the night Gordon came 
in to see the Earl. Each time he found the 
beautiful nurse at her post. 

At three in the morning, when he paid his last 
visit, she raised her beautiful eyes, large and bright 
with excitement, as she said : 

Mr. Ralston, you will be here when Dr. 
Ullathorne comes. Promise me you will take all 
medicines and give them into m^- hands.” 

Gordon looked at her strangely. ‘^1 do not 
understand you. Miss St. James.” 

But promise me,” she said, in a pleading voice. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


271 


and unconsciously she laid her small, white hand 
on his arm. 

Gordon felt a strange, sweet thrill pervade his 
being at the touch of those soft fingers, and a 
painful blush mantled his brow, as he said, Miss 
St. James, I promise.” 

Julia came in, seeming not to note the flush on 
her husband’s face, or that Miss St. James’ fair 
hand still lingered upon his arm. 

^^How is our dear uncle this morning?” she 
said, looking on his face. 

^‘1 think the Earl is better,” said Miss St. 
James, watching her face, keenly. 

Have you given the drops regularly through 
the night ? ” said she, averting her face from those 
eyes. 

‘^Yes, Mrs. Ralston, he seems to have changed 
for the better from the time he took the first dose 
from my hands.” 

^^You can retire now. Miss St. James. Mr. 
Ralston and myself will watch by the Earl until 
the Countess and my brother return. You must 
be very tired and sleepy.” 

Oh, no ! I am not sleepy nor fatigued in the 

17 


272 


A HEAET TWICE WON. 


least. Let me remain yet a while;” and Gordon 
turned to Julia and said : 

^^Let Miss St. James remain, if she prefers to. 
The Earl is in good hands.” 

Did it come up before him when he lay ill so 
long after his mother’s death at Wirnberlie house ; 
when a pale, swarthy-faced girl glided in and out 
so softly, ministering to his wants so gently. 
It did not; but thoughts of Kate did come to him 
when he saw the beautiful woman bending over 
the Earl’s bed, so tenderly. 

When the Countess and Frank came in, they 
urged Miss St. James to go and seek rest; but the 
Earl lifted his feeble voice and said : 

Do not leave me. Miss St. James; you seem to 
be a tower of strength to me. I have felt better 
ever since you came in to watch with me last 
night. Pray don’t go.” 

And when Dr. TJllathorne came in the morning 
he found his patient better, but still very low. 

Miss St. James took the medicine from his 
hand as he was in the act of handing it to Julia, 
who shot a dark look at her ; then her face paled. 

Did Miss St. James suspect anything, and 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


273 


what? and as she thought this she was seized with 
a violent fit of trembling, and left the room. 

^^Yes/’ she said, “she does suspect me. She 
did not give the medicine I prepared. If she had, 
the Earl would not have lived to see the light of 
another day.” Then she wandered out in the 
grounds to think. She seated herself under a 
spreading yew tree, where it was cool and shady. 
This spot was a favorite of Miss- St. James since 
she had been at the castle, and here, in the course 
of half an hour, she found J ulia in a deep study. 
She was in the act of turning to go in another 
direction, when J ulia called to her and said : 

“Come here, Miss St. James: I wish to speak 
with you.” 

Miss St. James went and stood before the dark, 
beautiful woman, and said : 

“I am at Mrs. Kalston’s disposal for a short 
time,” and the beautiful, dark gray eyes never left 
the face of J ulia. 

“ Please seat yourself on this rustic seat at my 
side,” said Julia. “I wish to speak to you of my 
husband.” 

“Thank you,” Miss St. James replied, “I prefer 


274 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


standing/' and she folded her arms and stood like 
some fair, beautiful queen. 

As Julia gazed on her lovely, composed counte- 
nance, all her pent-up hatred of this girl leaped 
from the black eyes, as she said : 

think. Miss St. James, it is time you were 
leaving the castle. You are trying too many arts 
to gain the love of my husband ; and a thoroughly 
modest and refined woman would not do it. I 
give you twenty-four hours in which to leave. If 
you are not gone in that time, I will expose you 
to the Countess. For, although it is years since 
we met, I know you ; and that fair, golden-haired 
boy, is your son. So, if you do not leave, I will 
tell the Countess you are a fraud, and have no 
right to the name you bear. I will tell her you 
are the divorced wife of Gordon Kalston.” 

For a moment Miss St. James’ figure swayed 
like a flower, and her face became as pale as 
marble ; and the fair hands worked nervously, and 
the gray eyes grew as dark as night, as she said : 

‘^Mrs. Ralston, I cannot leave the castle just 
yet; I am the Countess’ invited guest for the 
summer. And as to Mr. Ralston, I think he is 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


275 


too much of a gentleman to pay attention to any 
woman when he has a wife. But why do you 
associate me with your husband’s first wife? But 
even if I was his wife, which I do not admit, you 
will say nothing to the Countess against me !” 

I have given you fair warning,” said Julia, in 
a tone of deep and bitter hate. 

Miss St. James took a step or two nearer this 
woman, and said : 

shall not leave the castle — do your worst. 
But you will do nothing ; I hold the price of your 
silence,” and she drew a small vial from her 
pocket and held it up before her. ^^This, Mrs. 
Ralston, is my safeguard ; this is the medicine you 
prepared for the Earl last night. I was seated in 
an alcove, with the curtains partly drawn, when 
you came in. I saw you pour the powder in the 
bottle, and shake it up and replace it, and I also 
saw the murderous look that shone from your 
eyes, as you did this, and seemed to gloat in your 
supposed success. You thought of taking the 
advantage of the Countess, who was so fatigued 
that she fell asleep in her chair ; but you were 
baffled. It lacked only twenty minutes to the 


276 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


time in which to give them to the Earl. But as 
soon as I was certain you had retired to your 
room, I silently stole to my room, filled another 
bottle similar to this with water, and took charge 
of this bottle, as a witness against you, provided 
he does not recover. If he does recover, nothing 
shall be said, about it — if you leave me in peace, 
and do not make another attempt on his life. 
Are you so anxious to be Countess of Dalhurst, 
that you would stoop to take a human life? 
What would your husband say, and think of you, 
if he knew what I do, and what I now hold in 
my hand?” 

Julia’s face was ghastly; she made no reply, 
but arose with her eyes fixed on Miss St. James; 
and as quick as thought she reached forth her hand 
to snatch the bottle from Miss St. James, who was 
prepared for this emergency, and dropped her hand 
and took a step to one side, saying : 

‘^Not so fast, Mrs. Ralston; you will not get 
it. And I will remain at the castle,” and Miss St. 
James turned and walked proudly away. 

The Earl still continued to improve, watched 
over carefully by Miss St. James, the Countess, 
Florence and Frank. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


277 


Mrs. Watlion came over from Kose Manor 
every day, to inquire after the Earl ; and each time 
when she saw the beautiful Miss St. James, she 
was more fully impressed that she had known her 
before, and her heart went out to her with a great, 
warm love. June had passed, and part of July, 
and Miss St. James was still at the castle. The 
Earl had recovered sufficiently to be allowed to 
walk out among the lovely trees once more. He 
did not know to what extent he owed his life 
to this fair, beautiful opera-singer; but his heart 
went out to her with a strange, fatherly love. 
Oh, if he could only keep her at the castle all 
the time ! And in proportion as his love grew for 
Miss St. James, his dislike increased towards 
Julia, who ever, of late, he fancied, tried to avoid 
him. 

Florence, when the Earl was better, went to 
Rose Manor, and Frank returned to his post as 
bank clerk. Florence was very busy now. When 
the October winds would blow over the moors, she 
would become Frank’s wife. Everybody was 
delighted with the match, the Earl and Countess 
declaring they would have to keep them at the 


278 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


castle when Miss St. James was gone. Each day 
that young lady was more gay and happy, and 
her sweet voice was often heard in song, while the 
Earl would sit and watch the lovely face. And 
Gordon gave his whole soul and thoughts to this 
woman, who seemed so near him, and yet so far 
from him. As Julia had said, each time he looked 
on Miss St. James’ face, he felt his heart thrill as 
no other being on earth had had power to move it. 
He tried to smother this feeling in his heart when 
he thought of Julia; but as well try to stop the 
wind from blowing and kissing the fair, sweet 
flowers, as for him to look on Miss St. James’ face, 
and not love her with all the strength of his soul ! 

One morning she was seated at the piano singing 
some old Scotch ballads, which the Earl had 
selected for her. When the last one was finished, 
unconsciously the beautiful face dropped on the 
music, and the gray eyes filled with tears. Just 
then, Gordon Ralston came into the room, with 
the Countess leaning on his arm, and seeing this 
lovely vision in this attitude of sorrow, he con- 
ducted the Countess to a chair, and went and stood 
at her side. She did not hear his approach. He 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


279 


laid his hand softly on her shoulder, and in low, 
thrilling tones, called, ‘‘Miss St. James.'' 

She started — lifted her bright-brown head. He 
saw that her eyes were full of tears; and when 
she saw his gaze ‘fixed upon her, her fiice became 
scarlet with blushes. His own became as pale 
as death ; then quickly controlling himself, he 
said : 

“ Why are you so sad this morning, when the 
sun is shining so brightly and the little birds are 
singing so sweetly?" 

“It does seem strange," she said; “but we can 
not all be perfectly happy at all times. Are you, 
Mr. Ralston?" 

He evaded a direct answer to her question by 
saying, “ It lies within ourselves to make or mar 
that happiness to a certain degree. But, Miss St. 
James, please sing me one song. Your voice will 
have power to make me forget for a time that 
there is such a thing as sorrow and disappoint- 
ment in this world," and he slowly turned the 
leaves of the music while speaking. 

“There, Mr. Ralston, I will sing that for you; 
it is one of my favorites ; I learned it in Virginia 


280 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


many years ago,” and her voice trembled slightly, 
and she commenced to sing in a low, deep, sad 
voice : ^ 

“ Thou hast learned to love another, 

Thou hast broken every vow ; 

We have parted from each other, 

And we are strangers now. 

“We have met in scenes of pleasure. 

We have met in halls of pride ; 

I have seen thy new-found treasure, 

I have gazed upon thy bride,” etc. 

She sang the song through ; then arose from the 
instrument and passed over to the Countess' side 
without even so much as looking at Mr. Ealston. 

The Countess held out her hand to her favorite, 
exclaiming, My dear, one hearing you sing that 
song with so much pathos would imagine that 
you had experienced similar feelings to those 
the young lady expressed, when she speaks of 
Slaving seen the new-found treasure!' I know, 
my dear, you have a love-story. Will you tell it 
to me some day?" said the Countess, looking up 
into the sweet, sad face. 

Gordon was approaching them, and Miss St. 
James said : My dear Countess, admitting that I 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


281 


have a love-story, there would be little in it to 
interest you,” and a sad smile played around hei' 
mouth; and she raised her eyes to Gordon’s face, 
and saw a grieved, yearning look on his. 

In the afternoon the Earl and Countess drove 
with Miss St. James to Eurwick, where they 
spent a pleasant time with Fannie and the 
children. 


282 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTEK XXYII. 

A NEW SUITOR. 

T he day had been intensely warm, and as 
night approached, black, thick storm-clouds 
arose in the west. There had been company at 
the castle for a few days — some gay young people 
up from London; and among them a wealthy 
young lord, who was deeply in love with Miss St. 
James. She had the most profound respect for 
him; but she never gave him any encourage- 
ment. 

My love,” said the Countess, I wish it was 
so you could return the love of Lord Charles 
Hewling. He is the son of one of my old friends, 
and is one of God’s noblemen,” and the Countess 
took the hand of the beautiful woman and looked 
into the sweet, sad, gray eyes. Say, can’t you 
make Lord Hewling happy?” 

Please, my dear Countess, do not talk to me 
of love and marriage: I shall never marry. A 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


283 


home of my own with husband and children are 
not for me ; and if you wish to see me happy, do 
not broach the subject again.” 

And the Countess did not. But she kissed the 
tender mouth and said, I greatly fear those 
dark, threatening clouds will prevent Mr. Brent 
and Florence from coming over to join in the card 
party planned for this evening.” 

Julia was the gayest of the gay. There was a 
young Captain of dragoons among the party whom 
she ha>d often met in London, and who thought 
her the most beautiful woman in the world. She 
was very fond of his society and flattery; and 
Gordon seemed to have eyes and ears for no one 
save Miss St. James. 

She encouraged his attentions to such a degree 
on this night, that the young Captain proposed 
their leaving the castle together, but she shrank 
back and said, No, no, my dear Captain, you 
misconstrue my friendship. Yonder stands the 
only man I ever loved, and see how he hangs on 
her every word. I think I shall go mad,” and 
she cast a look of deep hatred towards Miss St. 
James, who was entertaining a group at the piano. 


284 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


The storm was about to burst, when Frank and 
Florence arrived from Rose Manor. 

When Julia saw the young man looking so 
bright and happy, with his fair betrothed leaning 
oil his arm, no remorse filled her guilty soul, for 
what she knew was to come. 

Notwithstanding the storm, there was a gay, 
happy evening. - The hour was growing late and 
it was still raining. Of course, Florence could 
not return to Rose Manor, and she remained an 
ever welcome guest of the Countess. Frank was 
urged to remain also; but he had promised Mr. 
Wathon to return that night. 

At a very late hour the guests had retired to 
their several homes. By this time the storm 
had passed away, and the full moon shone out 
bright arid fair, bathing the tree-tops with its soft 
silver light, and streaming in on the face of Miss 
St. James, who lay sleeping so quietly, that the 
pale, dark woman who stood over her couch, with 
a raised dagger in her hand, had heard her 
murmur in her sleep — 

^^Dear Mr. Ralston, I love you.” From that 
moment Julia became wild with passion. She let 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


285 


the dagger descend with all the strength of her 
arm. She aimed for the sleepers heart. There 
was a low cry of pain, and Julia sped swiftly but 
noiselessly from the room. The would-be mur- 
deress failed in her aim. 

Miss St. James arose and lighted her candle, 
and examined her right arm. The tender flesh 
had just been grazed ; the flow of blood was small, 
and she bound a cloth, saturated with cold water, 
around it; then sat down at her window. She 
knew who that intended death-blow was from. 
Her life was in danger: what should she do? 
Should she leave the castle ? She had been there 
but a few seconds, when she heard the report of a 
pistol in the direction of Rose Manor, just one 
report, then all was as still and silent again as the 
grave. 

Miss St. James did not lie down again, but 
when the early dawn streaked in the eastern sky, 
she threw on a simple, white muslin robe, and a 
pale, rose-colored scarf around her shoulders, and 
went down-stairs and out in the lovely, well-kept 
grounds. 

She was soon joined by Lord Hewling, who had 


286 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


seen her from his window. Another pair of eyes 
were looking after her. Mrs. Ralston also was up, 
early as was the hour. She shook from head to 
foot, like one with an ague chill. She saw the 
beautiful, pale face turned to her, and there was a 
defiant smile on the lij)s. She turned from her 
window and crept back to bed. Miss St. James 
was looking very lovely this morning to Lord 
Hewling, and he made up his mind to learn his 
^^fate.’’ 

Very sadly, but firmly. Miss St. James told him 
it was impossible for her to be his wife, while she 
thanked him for the honor he conferred upon 
her. 

Lord Hewling loved Miss St. James with the 
first love of his heart. He knew from the tones 
of her voice that she was in earnest. She would 
never be his wife ; but he felt it was better to love 
her and then lose her, than not to have loved her 
at all. He would carry her lovely image with 
him to the grave, with the hope of meeting her in 
the better world. 

Miss St. James’ eyes filled with tears, when she 
saw the sad, troubled look that came in his face, 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


287 


and slie said, Lord Hewling, I am sorry I ever 
crossed your path; but you are young: try to 
forget you ever met me. You will find some fair 
young girl in time, worthy of filling a place in 
your ancestral halls.’’ 

When they drew near the castle he took her 
hand and looked down in her beautiful eyes and 
said, “Miss St. James, are you quite sure you will 
not alter vour decision ?” 

“Quite sure,” she said, sadly. She had never 
looked so dear raid lovely to him as now, and he 
raised her hand to his lips, he dropped it gently, 
and turned and left her. 

Just then Gordon Ealston came around an 
angle of the castle. Ilis face was pale and troubled. 
He had seen Lord Hcwling’s parting with Miss 
St. James. He felt she had refused, and somehow 
he felt a glad thrill at his heart, when he saw the 
rosy blushes over the beautiful hice ; for a moment 
he was tempted to put his arms around her lovely 
form and press her to his heart, when two 
shadows came between them — Julia and the poor 
divorced Kate. He let Miss St. James pass on 
without even bowing to her. 

18 


288 


A HEART T AY ICE TYON. 


It is well I leave this next week/’ he said to 
himself. Well that I go with the Earl to 
Virginia in search of her who was my wife. And 
is she not still my wife in the ‘sight of the 
Eternal Judge?’ Ah, no, she was false to her 
marriage vows in thought, if not in deed. Did I 
not see that man press his lips to hers? Who 
was he?” 




“X' 





A HEART TWICE WON. 


289 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

STARTLING REVELATIONS. 

W HEN Miss St. James reached her own 
room, she fell upon her knees and cried : 
“0 Father! is it wrong for me to love Mr. 
Ralston ? Guide me, 0 Father I I leave all in 
thy hands.” 

She bowed her head on her hands, and wept 
for a long time ; then she drew from her neck a 
slender, black ribbon, and pressed her lips longingly 
to the ruby ring that was suspended from it. 
Then, as she heard a step near her door, she thrust 
it back in her bosom. It was Miss Howard, 
coming to inquire how she felt after the even- 
ing’s entertainment. 

Florence saw Miss St. James was very pale ; but 
she attributed it to the late hour of the night before. 

Miss St. James did not tell her of the night’s 
adventure with the would-be murderer. Mrs. 
Ralston was absent from the breakfast table ; as 
also was Lord Hewling. 


290 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


About eleven o’clock a messenger arrived from 
Eose Manor, with the request that the Earl and 
Countess should hasten to the manor at once. 
There was a dying man there, who wished them 
to come without delay, as he had something to 
communicate to them. 

dying man?” said the Earl, in surprise. 

Who is he ?” he said, to the servant that brought 
the message. 

I do not know, sir. He is a middle-aged man. 
He made an attempt on Mr. Brent’s life last night, 
as he was on his way home from the castle. He 
attacked Mr. Brent with a knife, and gave him 
one or two rather severe 'wounds; and in the 
tussle the man let fall a pistol, and Mr. Brent, in 
order to defend himself, picked it up. The man 
was shot'through the left lung. 

Dr. Ullathorne says he can’t live twenty-four 
hours. He has attended to Mr. Brent’s wounds, 
and says they are not dangerous. My lord, you 
had better hasten at once.” 

The same messenger was to see Miss Howard 
home. The Countess went to seek her, and found 
her in Julia’s room. She told her what had hap- 
pened ; and said : 


A HEART TWICE WON. 291 

Get ready at once, my love ; the man came 
in the pony-carriage. Tell your aunt I will be 
with her in the course of an hour.” 

The Countess turned to Julia, but she was 
lying on the pillows as pale as death; and 
a stream of her life’s blood was flowing from 
her lips. 

In great alarm she rang the bell, bidding the 
man who answered to send Mr. Ralston up imme- 
diately — that his wife was very ill. Turning to 
Florence, she said : 

Go, my dear, tell the Earl to drive over with 
you, and I will come as soon as Mrs. Ralston is 
■"better. Go — your duty is with Mr. Brent.” 

Florence hastened away in search of the Earl, 
to whom she delivered the Countess’ message; and 
they were soon on their way to Rose Manor. 

When Gordon Ralston reached his wife’s room, 
and saw the danger she was in, he sent to Rose 
Manor for Dr. Ullathorne^ where the Countess 
said he could be found. 

In the course of an hour Dr. Ullathorne reached 
the castle. When he saw Mrs. Ralston he shook 
bis bead, and said to Gordon : 


292 


A HEART TWICE WOIT. 


There is little hope for your wife, Mr. Ralston. 
I do not think she will arise from this attack.” 

Dr. Ullathorne and Gordon w^ere standing at a 
distant window, wdien the doctor let fall this 
opinion. But the ears of Julia were very sharp; 
and she overheard his remark. And the large, 
yellowish black eyes glowed with a strange, bril- 
liant light, when they rested on the face of her 
husband, who looked so pale and careworn. 

But Dr. Ullathorne prescribed for Mrs. Ralston, 
and then returned to Rose Manor, promising to 
call again at the castle in the afternoon. 

In a short time the flow of blood was stopped, 
and Julia lay, apparently, sleeping. Then the 
Countess left the room, telling Gordon she should 
go to Rose Manor to find the Earl; but would 
return as soon as possible. 

She w^ent down, and ordered her carriage, and 
was soon at the manor, where she met with a 
warm reception from Mrs. Wathon. 

Here we will leave the Countess for a time, and 
follow the Earl in the room where the dying man 
lay. The wdndows w^ere open to admit the 
pleasant morning air, and on a bed of snowy 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


293 


whiteness lay a man of middle age. His heavy 
moustache was as white as that of the Earl’s ; and 
the black eyes were closed ; but the man was not 
asleep. For now and then the lips would move, 
and he would say, Will Robert never come ? ” 

At length the Earl said, 

‘^Who is it that wants to see me?” And he 
took the cold hand of the wounded man in his. 

The black eyes opened vaguely, and looked up 
in the Earl’s face. 

He dropped the hand, and a low, bitter moan 
escaped him. 

^^You know me, then, Robert, after all these 
years ? ” 

Yes, Eugene Ralston, I know you. But why 
have you sent for me and the Countess?” 

A strange, wild light shone in the eyes of the 
dying man as he said : 

You see, Robert, there is no sham in this. I 
think I shall go this time. I have been reported 
dead twice; and there will be truth in the old 
adage, that Hhe third time is the charm.’ And 
now, as Dr. Ullathorne says I have but a few 
hours to live, I will give you a short history of 


204 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


the last twenty-eight years of my life. But first 
give me a spoonful of the medicine from that 
glass.” 

The Earl did so, and the wounded man said : 

You saw the account of my death, after I 
fought a duel with a brother officer. I was 
wounded, but soon recovered. I was tired of the 
army, and so one morning I took French leave 
and went to America. In Virginia, I married a 
lovely wom.an by the name of Wimberlie, under 
the assumed name of Brent. Miss Wimberlie was 
the daughter of a wealthy planter. He was dis- 
pleased with his daughter’s choice, and discarded 
her. After a time, I obtained a situation in a 
banking-house in Bichmond, and was making 
enough to support myself and wife in comfort. 
In a little while I was seized with a wild desire to 
return to England ; and on my way out, I formed 
a plan to rob 3^ou and the Countess of your 
children. When I reached the neighborhood, I 
found you had two children. I went to London, 
and for a price I procured the dead bodies of a boy 
and girl as near the age and complexion of 3’our 
children as possible, and put your childrens 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


295 


clothes on them, while their nurse was absent, 
and threw them in the lake. When I saw the 
birthmark, I mutilated each child so as to mislead 
you. Then I returned to Virginia, taking your 
children with me. The vessel was wrecked off 
the coast of Norfolk, and for years I thought your 
boy and myself were the only ones saved. But 
the girl was picked up, as I afterwards learned. 
The boy received a wound in the temple; after 
that he seemed to have no recollection of his name 
or home, so I took him to my wife, and told her 
he was a child I saved from the wreck. I had 
one child, a daughter — and this boy soon called 
me father, as Julia did. While on shipboard, I 
destroyed the boy’s birthmark with a piece of hot 
iron ; but somehow I could not apply the iron to 
the tender flesh of the girl. It was my intention 
to sweep all the Kalstons from my path to the 
Earldom, but a strange thing happened soon after 
I reached Richmond again. Mr. Hubbard, cashier 
of the bank, was waylaid and killed. I don’t 
say I did it; but I found it necessary to leave the 
country. I robbed a new-made grave, clothed the 
form with my linen, and threw it -in the James ; 


29G 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


and then for years I became a wanderer on the 
face of the earth. When years had passed, I 
returned to Kichmond to look after my daughter. 
My wife died soon after I disappeared. Your 
brother Gordon’s widow cared for my child, and 
also the boy we called Frank. Mrs. Wimberlie 
always supposed him to be Julia’s brother; and, 
strangely enough, your daughter was brought up 
with those children, and did not know her brother. 
I was in hopes of finding the boy dead; but 
instead, I found the girl had been saved, and was 
the wife of Gordon Ealston — he little dreaming she 
was his cousin, and an Earl’s daughter. As I said, 
I intended to sweep them from my path, but I 
found I could do more to let Gordon Ealston live, 
and have him become the husband of my 
daughter; and this I accomplished. The boy, 
Frank, left Virginia for the Pacific coast. It was 
reported he was lost ; and I rejoiced then. After 
Gordon obtained a divorce from his wife, it was 
reported she also was dead, and he married my 
daughter. Then I expected to see her Countess of 
Dalhurst Castle; but it seems the girl is still living 
somewhere, but I do not know where. Last night 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


297 


I waylaid the boy known as Frank Brent, to kill 
him, for fear that old scenes would revive his 
memory, and you would know him. But he turned 
the tables on me, and I am nearly done for. Yes, 
Robert, the young man you know as Frank Brent 
is your son. Can you forgive me, as I hope to be 
forgiven?” The dying man lay so still when he 
said this, that the Earl feared he was dead ; but 
after a time something like a moan escaped him. 
He was thinking of his daughter, and at length 
he said : Robert, will you forgive ? ” 

The bent form of the Earl seemed to rise erect 
and proud, as in his more youthful days ; and the 
brilliant black eyes glowed with a new light, as 
he said : 

The injury you have done me and mine has 
been very great, Eugene ; yet I forgive freely, as I 
hope God will also forgive you. And the young 
man lying down-stairs wounded is my son — my 
noble Lyric? I have loved him from the first 
moment I met him as a stranger. Oh, if I could 
find my little Katherine also! Somehow I have 
felt in late years I would find peace and love with 
my children again.” 


298 A HEART TWICE WON. 

Just tlien, Dr. Ullatliorne came in, and the 
dying man said, looking at the Earl : 

''Go tell the Countess, and meet your son; then 
come to me again.’* 

We will pass over the astonishment of Frank, 
when the Earl revealed to him what Eugene 
Ealston had told him. 

He threw his hands to his head, and old memo- 
ries returned, as he said, " I now remember the 
beautiful mother and the loving father, the 
rolling, plunging ship, the burning iron applied 
to my arms, and the pain it gave me, and the 
dear little sister with the brown hair. And she 
Avas Gordon’s wife — dear, sweet Kate, my sister.” 
As he thought of the time he had asked her 
to be his wife, a shudder ran over him, and he 
became very pale, as he said, "My Father in 
heaven, I thank thee that matters are no worse. 
And now, my dear father, prepare the Countess, 
my loved mother, to see me. I long to receive 
her mother’s kiss on my brow, and feel her soft, 
gentle hand on my head, as in the days of child- 
hood. But, father, I am a murderer if this man 
dies,” and a bitter groan escaped him. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


299 


My son, you gave him his death-wound in 
self-defence ; so do not let it weigh on your mind 
for one moment,” said the Earl. ‘^And now I 
will go and send Miss Howard in to keep you com- 
pany, while I prepare the Countess to meet you.” 

When Florence heard this strange story from 
Frank’s lips, she did not seem so much surprised 
as one would naturally suppose. She said she 
had so often noticed the strong resemblance 
between himself and the Earl, that this story was 
just the missing link; and then the pale, golden 
head dropped lower and lower until it rested on 
the pillow beside Frank’s dark, raven locks, and a 
sob shook her form. 

Why do you weep, my Florence ? Are j^ou 
sorry that, after all these years of separation from 
my dear mother and father, I am restored to them 
again ?” 

‘‘No, not sorry, dear Frank, that you can live 
in the light and sunshine of the Earl’s and Coun- 
tess’ love; but look at the sorrow it will bring 
to me.” 

“And why bring sorrow to you, my fair, sweet 
love?” 


300 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Florence lifted her sweet, beautiful face, framed 
with its wealth of golden hair, and said, You 
know I am simply an American girl, and the Earl 
will have other hopes for his son. They like me 
very much as a friend, but as a daughter they 
would not accept me. And now, dear Frank, I 
give you back yoiir troth.’' She was in the act of 
removing the ring from her finger he had placed 
there when he thought himself simply Frank 
Brent, when the Countess came in and fell upon 
her knees at the bedside of her son. 

Florence arose to leave the room, but the 
Countess detained her, saying: 

Remain wdth me, my daughter.”- — We wdll 
draw a veil over what has passed. 

An hour later, when the Earl visited his son’s 
room, he found the Countess sitting by her son’s 
bed, with her slender hand resting on his head. 
Florence was kneeling at her left, and the Coun- 
tess was smoothing the golden hair, saying : 

Do you remember, Florence dear, a remark I 
made to you once — that if my son had lived, and 
met and loved you, I could crave no greater boon? 
Heaven has blessed me in bringing this about. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


301 


You will be Countess of Dalliurst; and when my 
dear Katherine is restored to me, I shall ask no 
more.” 

‘^And that she shall be, my dear wife,” said 
the Earl, as he drew her head to him and kissed 
her still fair face. 


302 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

HEATH-BED REPENTANCE. 

dear wife, come with me to Eugene’s 
\J bedside, and tell him you forgive him 
for all he made you suffer,” said the Earl. 
cannot forget, but we can forgive.” 

No, we cannot forget, Robert, while memory 
lives ; but we can school the heart to forgive.” 

When Eugene opened his eyes and saw the 
Countess looking down on him with so much pity 
in her fiice, a keen, sharp agony pierced his heart. 
She was the only woman he had ever loved, and 
for her he had made of himself almost a demon. 
She slighted, or, rather, did not return his love, 
and he gave himself up to that most debasing and 
cowardly passion, revenge. What had it brought 
him? Death, nothing but death. 

‘^Do you forgive me. Countess of Dalhurst?” he 
said, feebly. 

Ido, Mr. Ralston,” said the Countess; ^Treely.” 

You know,” said the dying man, ‘‘Julia is my 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


303 


daughter. Will you send for her to come to me ? 
I wish to speak with her before I die. There is 
one we have both wronged more terribly even than 
you. Send for her at once ; I feel that I am sink- 
ing fast,” and he gasped for breath as he spoke. 

‘‘ I fear we cannot gratify you in this request,” 
said the Countess, solemnl3^ I left your daugh- 
ter in an almost dying condition this morning, 
from hemorrhage of the lungs. Dr. Ullathorne 
says her days are numbered.” 

A shade passed over the face of the wretched 
man, as he said : 

^ Retribution will overtake the wrong-doer, 
even in this world,' and I shudder to think of 
what is to come in the next. Where is Frank ? 
Is he able to come to me? I want his forgive- 
ness, also.” 

‘‘ You have it, Eugene,” said the Earl. My 
son holds no ill-feeling toward you. But the 
doctor thinks he had better keep, quiet for a 
while.” 

The dying man said : It is w^ell. Hold down 
your head, Robert.” 

The Earl did so. In a low voice, he said : 

19 


304 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


^^Tell Julia to confess all to Gordon Ralston; 
but I will not condemn her.” 

There was a quiver of the frame, then all w^as 
still, while a cold, gray, ashy paleness overspread 
the motionless face. 

Dr. Ullathorne laid his hand on Eugene Ral- 
ston’s heart; but life was extinct. He turned to 
the Earl and Countess, and said : 

I can do no more. I leave Lord Ralston in 
good hands. I will return to the castle to look 
after Mrs. Ralston.” 

The Countess said, some hours afterward, to 
Mrs. Wathon : 

My dear friend, it is very hard for me to tear 
myself from my son ; but I know you will take 
the best of care of him for a few days, until he 
can be removed to the castle. Oh, Mrs. Wathon, 
how can I ever repay you for all your devotion 
to my little Katherine?” 

‘^And shall w^e ever find her?” The Countess 
threw her arms around Mrs. AVathon’s neck, and 
gave way to a hearty cry. Then, going in to her 
son’s room, she told him she was going to return 
to the castle. But it will not be long, my dear 


A HEART TT7ICE WON. 


305 


Lyric, until I can have you and dear Florence 
with me all the time. Your father will see that 
Eugene is buried with the Ralstons. Dr. Ulla- 
thorne says there is no hope, and that Julia will 
die. Now, good-bye, my precious son ; and 
heaven bless you, and soon restore you to health.” 

Then this fond mother, who had lived so long 
without her children’s love, kissed her boy and 
Florence, and she and the Earl started for the 
castle. 

Dr. Ullathorne had informed Gordon Ralston 
of the death that had just taken place at Rose 
Manor, and of the strange revelation Eugene 
Ralston had made. When Gordon saw his uncle’s 
beaming, happy face, he held out his hand, and 
said : 

“ Dear uncle, let me congratulate you on the 
recovery of your heir.” 

The Earl looked in his face, and he knew that 
he spoke from the heart, and he pressed Gor- 
don’s hand, saying : 

Heaven has been kinder tome than I deserve; 
but do you know what you have lost by Eugene 
Ralston’s confession?” 


30C 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


^‘1 have lost nothing, my dear uncle; but have 
gained much,” said Gordon, proudly. “I can how 
return to my own loved Virginia, and my black 
people, who are so anxious to have me back. 
That would give me more pleasure than to wear 
a crown.” 

‘‘ How is Mrs. Ralston now ?” said the Earl, sadly, 
can hardly say. Dr. Ullathorne has not 
given me his opinion this afternoon.” 

Just then the doctor came in, and said : 

“ Mr. Ralston, it is my painful duty to tell you 
that your wife is failing very rapidly. I do not 
think she will see the morrow’s sun. She wishes 
to see you, at once.” 

Gordon turned to his uncle, and said : 

Will you go in, and see Julia?” 

Yes,” he replied, I have a message to her 
from her dying father.” 

When Gordon reached Julia’s bedside, he said : 

The Earl has come to see you, Julia.” 

She looked up, and the black eyes glowed with 
resentful fire, as she said, in passionate tones : 

Earl of Dalhurst, have you come to reproach 
me, now that you think me dying?” 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


307 


No, Julia ; I have not come to reproach you ; 
but to give to you your dying father s message. 
He told me to tell you to confess all to Gordon 
Ealston; that he would not condemn you.” 

For a moment Julia covered her pale, dark 
face with her hands ; then, turning to the Earl, 
she said : 

You may leave me alone with my husband.” 

The Earl cast a look of pity on her, and left 
the room, and went below to inform his house- 
hold of the glorious tidings he had that day 
heard. 

The Countess and Miss St. James were together. 
The Countess was relating to her the strange story 
of her children. In a little time, she looked up 
to see if Miss St. James was listening. The bright, 
brown head was lying back on the sofa. Miss St. 
James had fainted. At first, the Countess thought 
her dead — she looked so ghastly pale. She placed 
her hand over her heart. It still beat. With her 
soft, tender hands she bathed the beautiful face in 
cold water, and forced some between the pallid 
lips, while tears fell on the pale, pure, upturned 
face. At length, the sweet, sad, gray eyes opened, 


308 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


and looked up into the Countess’ face, with an 
expression she never forgot. 

You are ill, Miss St. James. Let me call in 
Dr. Ullathorne, and have him prescribe for you.” 

No, no, dear Countess. I am not ill ; but your 
strange, sad story affected me very much. I am 
so glad for you; and now, my dear Countess, I 
shall leave you to-morrow. My friend, Mrs. Yon 
Herchien, is not very well; the children miss 
me, and I must return to her. Some time I may 
return to you again,” she said, as she saw the 
desolate look that came over the Countess’ face. 
‘^Oh, how earnestly I pray you may find 3'Our 
long-lost daughter ! that her name may be cleared 
from every shadow that is resting on it, and may 
Mr. Ralston one day know that the young child- 
wife he put from him was as pure as the snow- 
drop in spring.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


309 


CHAPTER XXX. 


RETRIBUTION. 


W HEN the Earl of Dalhurst left the room, 
Julia said to her husband : 

“ Gordon, bring a chair up near my bed, and sit 
so you can’t look in- my face, but where I can see 
you, while I talk.” 

Gordon did so ; and J ulia said t 
You were surprised to hear that Frank is the 
son of the Earl, and not my brother; were you 
not?” 

Yes, J ulia, I was surprised ; but do not worry 
yourself on this subject now. We may talk of it 
some other time. I fear you will tax your 
strength too much ; and Dr. Ullathorne says you 
must remain very quiet.” 

But I must talk now, Gordon. I am not 
deceived. I asked Dr. Ullathorne to be candid 
with me ; and I know what the night has in store 
for me, in all probability, Gordon.” 


310 A HEART TWICE WON. 

He never heard that voice so soft and thrilling 
as now, and he was touched, as he said : 

What is it, Julia?’' 

She took his hand, and said : 

“Gordon, my husband, do you love me very 
much — I mean as much as you once loved some one 
else in the far back, when we lived in Virginia, at 
the manor house, among the mountains?” 

“ Why do 3^ou wish to recall those days, Julia?” 
said Gordon, sorrowfully; “and why do you ask 
me if I love you ? Have I not been kind to you 
in the seven years you have been my wife?” 

“Yes,” she said, “far kinder than I deserved. 
Now promise me you will not curse my memory 
when I am gone ; for I did a great wrong to Kate 
and you. Say, Gordon, will you promise, and 
only think I did what I did through my great love 
for you? Oh, Gordon, it is a fearful thing to love 
one so deeply, that you will send your soul to 
perdition to attain the object of that love!” 
Gordon Ralston shuddered as he listened ; yet 
he knew not the depth of Julia’s crime. She 
continued : “ Gordon, I loved you when a child — 
you were then my god ; and that love grew with 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


311 


me, until I reached womanhood. I was also 
ambitious, and wanted to be Countess of Dalhurst, 
and wear the Dalhurst diamonds, and when I 
returned to lYimberlie house, and found you had 
married Kate, I swore, by your dead mothers 
remains, to separate you and Kate, and accomplish 
my ends. I knew you married her without love, 
and thought the task would be easier than it 
really was. While you were in New Orleans, my 
father came to see me, and told me who your wife 
was, and also that Frank was her brother. He 
told me of his plans of becoming the tenth Earl 
of Dalhurst. But when I told him of my great 
love for you, he decided it was best to follow my 
plans of being your wife. While I was in Rich- 
mond, on my ^vay to the manor house, I procured 
a diary, such as I knew Kate kept, and I made 
entries to suit myself, and to work on your mind. 
I knew that Frank had asked her to be his wife, 
and I led you to believe the same. It would be 
needless for me to dwell at length upon how I 
managed to get this in your way. Then I got my 
father to deceive this girl, with the story that he 
was her father, and that Mrs. Wathon was her 


312 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


mother, and she a child of sin and shame. I also 
got him to make her swear not to betray him. I 
also planned a way for you to see them together. 
Do you remember the day we visited the ^cave,’ 
and I coaxed you to go to the ^big eddy?' I 
knew we would find Kate and my father there. 
You saw their parting. You saw Kate give him 
money. She told you the truth as to where she 
obtained it. It was I that took the thousand 
dollars from your desk to give to my father, with 
which to leave the country. And now, dear 
Gordon, can you forgive me, when I tell you Kate 
was true to you in thought and in deed?" 

Gordon sat like one bereft of speech or power to 
reason for some time. Then the picture of his 
child-wife arose before him in all her quiet gentle- 
ness, and he said : 

Oh, J ulia, how could you wrong me so — who 
had never injured you in any way — when I was 
learning to love her so much?" 

“ Yes, Gordon, and it was for that love that I 
worked the harder to separate you. Then came 
your divorce; then, later on, an account of Kate’s 
death, and you can never know the joy that 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


313 


thrilled my soul, when I saw you read that 
account ; for it seemed to me that fate was playing 
into my hands. I knew you would never call mo 
wife, if Kate still lived. When the Earl wrote to 
you to come to Dalhurst Castle, I did a very 
uii maidenly thing in asking you to take me with 
you. You know the result. We were married, 
and then came to this grand old castle, where I 
have dreamed of rqigning as its proud mistress. 
Last winter, wdien we were in St. Petersburg, 
we met Miss St. James. From the first time I 
saw her, I thought I recognized your first wife. 
But since she has been at Dalhurst Castle, I have 
changed my mind. She is simply Miss St. James. 
And, oh, Gordon, you love this fair, beautiful 
woman more than life ; but promise me you will 
never marry her.’' 

Gordon wheeled around and looked at Julia. 
His face was paler even than hers. He was in 
the act of making her some reply, when he arose 
and stooped over her to raise her head, for sLe 
was bleeding profusely; but the black eyes never 
left his face for a moment. Gordon gently laid 
her down and rang the bell. 


314 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


^^Tell Dr. Ullathorne to come at once. Mrs. 
Ealston is worse.” 

In a short time after, the doctor came in. Julia 
was lying back with a spent look on her dark, 
beautiful face, where so lately the roses had 
bloomed. She was perfectly conscious, and she 
Avas revolving in her own mind if she should tell 
her husband all — of the attempt to make w^ay 
with the Earl, by a process of poison, which she 
had administered to him; and of her attempt to 
assassinate Miss St. James, because she knew her 
secret. Dying, as she knew herself to be, she 
could not4ell him that, and she turned her dying 
eyes on his face, and said : 

Gordon, my love, my idol, do you forgive me ? 
Not that I hope for forgi^^eness in the Avorld to 
come ; but it would be music to my heart to hear 
you say, ^ I forgive you.’ ” 

Gordon bowed his face on his hands for a 
moment ; then lifting his face, he said : 

Julia, I forgive you, as I hope God the Father 
will.” 

It is well,” she said, give me one kiss ; then 
leave me, and send Miss St. James to me. I 
have something to say to her.” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


315 


Gordon complied with her request, and when 
he looked on her face again, it was rigid in death. 

Gordon had suffered all agony during this con- 
fession. What passed between J ulia and Miss St. 
James he never knew; but after the conqueror 
had come, he saw a sweet smile resting on the 
pale, dark face, that was more beautiful in death 
than in life. We may add, father and daughter 
were buried on the same day, wdth all the pomp 
and ceremony of the ancient house of the Eal- 
stons. Ah ! truly, Retribution had overtaken 
them.” 


316 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


CHAPTER XXXL 


A FAINT CLUE. 


FTER the funeral of Eugene Ralston and 



JL\^ his misguided daughter, Miss St. James 
found it very hard to tear herself from the castle. 
A change came over her. She would sit and 
brood for hours at a time; and all at once she 
took a great notion to visit the manor. She 
would gaze on the face of Mrs. Wathon, and the 
beautiful, brooding eyes would fill with tears, and 
a yearning tenderness would shine from her pale, 
pure face. Mrs. Wathon was spending the day 
at the castle, a few weeks after Julia’s death. 
The day was very warm. She had seen Miss St. 
J ames leave the castle, and wander off to the cool 
yew tree. She concluded to follow her, and here 
she found her sleeping, sweetly, with a smile on 
her lovely face. She had been listening to the 
sweet songs of the birds, that never seemed to sing 
so sweetly as now ; the beautiful head was leaning 
on the arms of the rustic seat on which she was 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


317 


sitting, and the fair hands were folded peacefully 
on her lap. Mrs. Wathon stood perfectly en- 
tranced at this lovely picture, and all at once as 
she gazed a faintness came over her; and she 
leaned against the trunk of a tree to keep from 
falling. Then she murmured to herself, I will 
know.’' She stepped softly up to the sleeping 
girl, and gently lifted the sleeve on the right arm. 
The arm was bandaged with a piece of linen. 
Miss St. James opened her eyes, and a faint smile 
played around her mouth, as she said : 

“Did you touch me, Mrs. Wathon?” and the 
truthful, gentle face of aunt Joe was dyed with a 
painful blush, as she said : 

“ Miss St. James, it is dangerous to fall asleep 
in the open air.” 

“ The birds sang me to sleep, Mrs. Wathon. So 
please do not scold me ; ” and she looked up into 
the kindly face above her. 

Mrs. Wathon sank down on the seat, by the side 
of Miss St. James, and said: 

“ The Countess tells me you will leave her next 
week. I am very sorry ; she seemed to love you 
so. She will be very lonely, for the Earl and Mr. 


318 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Kalston and his son, Lord Lyric, start for Virginia 
in the course of a few days. As you know, Miss 
St. James, the Earl goes to seek his daughter, from 
whom he has been separated so long; and that 
daughter is as dear to me almost as my own child.” 

- After a little. Miss St. James said: believe 

you had the care and rearing of the Earl’s daugh- 
ter. She should love you very much,” and the 
voice was touchingly soft and sweet. 

She more than repaid me for my love and 
care. She had one of the noblest dispositions in 
the world,” said Mrs. Wathon. 

‘^Was this Earfs daughter that Mr. Gordon 
Ralston married, and from whom he was divorced, 
beautiful, Mrs. Wathon?” 

^^No, not beautiful in form, features or com- 
plexion. She was too sallow and thin for that; 
but she possessed a beauty of a pure and lovely 
soul, beaming from the soft, gray eyes, and she 
had a voice, Miss St. James, almost equal to yours. 
Oh, Miss St. James, you know”, I suppose, that 
Mr. Von Herchien was my little sea-bird’s teacher 
in Richmond. He wanted to prepare her for the 
stage, and sometimes I think you must be she. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 319 

But years have changed you from a plain, swarthy 
girl, to a lovely, matured woman.” And she looked 
into her soft eyes as she spoke. 

Miss St. James laughed a low, soft, musical 
laugh, and arose to go. 

“ Miss St. James, tell me why you have your 
arm bandaged.” 

Miss St. James turned very red in the face, as 
she said : 

^^How did you know this, Mrs. Wathon? But 
I will tell you : my arm is sore, but you will never 
know more about it than this,” and she turned to 
go back to the castle. 

Mrs. Wathon looked sadly after her, and said, 
I must be mistaken. She is what she seems to 
be to all the world — the beautiful Miss St. James, 
and not my little sea-bird. If she knows she is 
the Earl’s daughter, she would not let him start to 
hunt her.” 

With a weary heart Mrs. Wathon returned 
in the evening to her beautiful home, and related 
to Florence her ill success. The Earl and his son 
and Gordon Ralston took a steamer the next week 
for the United States. 

20 


320 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Miss St. James returned to her friend, Mrs. Von 
Ilerchien, and the Countess and Florence went to 
Courteney Hall to stay a while during the absence 
of the Earl and young Lord Lyric. When Gordon 
reached Eichmond after an absence of seven years, 
he repaired at once to the office of his attorney, 
Mr. Leland. The old lawyer had aged but little 
in that time, and he rubbed his hands together, 
showing his delight at seeing the dear boy’s face 
again. 

^^And Frank — or rather Lord Lyric — you say 
is at the ‘ Spotswood.’ I am delighted to hear 
of his good fortune; he is a fine young man, and 
I must have you all dine with me to-morrow. 
Mrs. Leland wdll be overjoyed to see Frank — I 
mean Lord Lyric.” 

“Your wife, Mr. Leland! Why, what! You 
don’t mean to tell me you are married! Why, 
when did that take place ? ” 

“ Oh, I have been married for the last six years 
to one of the dearest little women in the world. 
You know her— Mrs. Talbot.” 

“Well, Mr. Leland, I am very glad to hear of 
your happiness; but tell me if you have ever heard 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


321 


anything from the woman I married years ago. 
You know doubtless she is the Earl’s daughter, and 
my cousin.” 

“Yes, Mr. Kalston, I have heard all that; but 
I can get no clue to her whereabouts. But if she 
is still living I think she can be found.” 

Day after day went by until August and part of 
September were gorle, and still no clue. They had 
inserted advertisements and given the case into 
the hands of the detectives ; but all to no purpose. 
One morning the Earl was seated in his room, 
weary and discouraged, when a servant entered 
the room, bearing a letter for him. He took the 
letter and tore it open. It was without date; but 
post-marked New York. It was written in a 
smooth, scholarly hand, and read : 

“ One year from the date of your son’s marriage, 
your daughter will meet you at Wimberlie house, 
Virginia. Do not try to find her until then. 
Keturn to Dalhurst Castle and wait. Your 
daughter is well.” 

This was all; no name, nothing by which to 
find a clue. 


322 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


CHAPTER XXXIL 


TWICE LOVED. 



OOK your sweetest to-niglit, love,” said 


ij Mrs. Von Herchien to Miss St. James, 
the January after Lord Lyric and Florence were 
married. ‘^Look your sweetest to-night; for 
Gordon Ralston will be at the opera, and also 
Lord Lyric and his beautiful bride. They have 
returned to Paris, and left their cards this morning 
while you were out. There is a chance for you, 
dear, for if ever man worshipped woman, Gordon 
Ralston worships you ; and I hardly dare to hope 
what may follow.” 

Miss St. J ames had not seen Gordon since tne 
day he had started to Virginia on his fruitless 
search for the Earl’s daughter, and she felt a 
strange sweet thrill pervade her being at the 
mention of his name, and her face was scarlet. 
The eyes looked black as night with happiness, as 
she said : 

^^You are too romantic, Fannie. Even if Mr. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 323 

Kalston had one wife to die last summer, his first 
wife still lives ; would you expect me to marry a 
divorced man ? for I contend his first marriage 
was the true one, although he entered into the 
second, thinking the first wife was dead. Has 
Mr. Ralston been with the happy couple all the 
time?” said Miss St. James. 

‘‘ Oh, no ! He met them in Florence, and they 
came to Paris together. You also had a call 
from Lord Hewling ? I am sorry for him, Kathe- 
rine, for he loves you so dearly ; and I am very 
much pleased with him.” 

A sad, sorrowful look came over Miss St. 
J ames’ face, as she said, Fannie, this will be my 
last winter on the stage ; next year I shall return 
to Virginia and settle down. I am becoming 
tired of all this excitement. We will all go back, 
and I will remain at the Lodge with you. I am 
so glad, Fannie, your father has written for you 
to come home; and that all is peace and harmony 
between you again. And now, dear friend, for 
your sake, if nothing else, I will try to do my best 
to-night.” 

Paris w^as mad over the grace and beauty of the 


324 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


fair Virgin ian, as well as her voice. And Lord 
Ilewling, as he sat all alone in his box, 
felt the bitterness of a great desolation, as he 
looked on the white-robed form, with the white 
roses in her hair, and thought that heart did not 
beat for him. He had not given her up ; his love 
had grown no colder since he had asked her to be 
his wife at Dalhurst Castle, the summer before; 
but he did not blame her if she could not love 
him. But he would have taken her to his heart 
even without love, if she would have willed it so, 
and have trusted ta time and untiring devotion, 
to have brought that love for which he craved. 

And Gordon Kalston — how was it with him? 
When he reached his native land he had made up 
his mind to remain at home, and not all the Earl’s 
and his cousin’s persuasion could get him to 
return with them to England, not even to be at 
the marriage of Lyric and Florence. And, after 
the Earl and his son set their faces homeward, 
sadly disappointed at the re§ult of their voyage, 
he settled down at Wimberlie house with the 
intention of remaining there until the summer, 
and then to leave his native land, perhaps never 
to return. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 325 

Poor Gordon ! he had known but little happi- 
ness in the last eight years. He felt he deserved 
but little for his weak folly in consenting to a 
marriage in which he had no heart, even to please 
a dying mother. Oh, how he wished, as he sat 
by his lonely hearth, his mother had confided this 
secret to him of the Earl’s daughter. It might 
have saved him a life-long misery. Then he 
thought of Miss St. James. There had been a 
time when he thought he loved poor Kate, and a 
time when he had a very warm regard for Julia; 
but he never knew what love was, until he met 
this lovely being. A great wrong had been done 
to Kate, and he wept tears of anguish as he said : 

“ 0 God ! if I had known all this, or had it 
never happened, then I should not, in all proba- 
bility, have met this woman, who has been a 
consuming fire to my soul from the first. Poor, 
unfortunate Julia! you need have had no fears of 
my marrying Miss St. James, for poor, plain Kate, 
will ever stand between us. No, I can never call 
Miss St. James my wife, but I will look on her 
fair, beautiful fiice again, and then pray ‘that 
death may come to my relief.’” 


326 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


So we find him in Paris. He sees Lord Ilew- 
ling, as he devours the queenly form and face 
with his sad eyes, and a terrible, sickening pang 
goes through his heart. Has she relented her 
refusal of his suit? and does he sit there now an 
accepted suitor? But why should he care, when 
she could never be anything to him? But he saw 
her ^ace flush when she turned her eyes in the 
direction of himself, and the beautiful eyes 
dropped to the floor, as she toyed for a moment 
with the diamond bracelet on her arm — a present 
from the Countess of Dalburst. Could he stand 
face to face with this radiant creature and not 
proclaim his love ? 

Lord Hewling w’as looking at Miss St. James, 
and a strange fear flashed over his mind. Did 
she love Gordon Ealston, whose wife had not been 
yet a six-month dead ? If not, why the droop- 
ing of the eyes, and that deep, shy blush ? 

Miss St. James will see no one after the opera 
is out. I will know if there is yet any hope for 
me.” He held a beautiful bouquet of white 
camelias in his hand for her. He took a pencil 
and tore a leaf from a small book, which he 
carried in his pocket, and wrote : 


A HEART TWICE WON. 327 

My beautiful darling, if you have relented of 
the decision you gave me last summer, carry one 
of the white camelias in your right hand pressed 
to your heart, when you come on the stage 
again.” 

• He concealed this in the bouquet, and as she 
was retiring from the stage the first time he 
threw the camelias at her feet. She picked the 
pure, lovely flowers up, and disappeared ; while he 
sat there with a strange, wild tumult at his heart. 
When the curtain arose, and the beautiful, well-* 
loved being came forward, he looked for the token 
of his happiness, but it was not there, and a 
chill, as if death was at his heart, came over him, 
and he bowed his head while the great wave 
of anguish passed over his soul. When the 
sweet, sad, pathetic voice soared through the 
building, he arose and left the opera-house. He 
could not bear to remain any longer, for he was 
growing sick and faint. 

Nothing of this escaped Gordon Ralston. He 
saw Lord Hewling throw the flowers, and Miss St. 
James pick them up ; and when he looked on her 
face again it wore the same sad, sweet look it had 


328 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


worn at Dalhurst Castle on that morning he could 
never forget, when he had to pass her without even 
a look, for fear of betraying the feelings of his 
heart. 

And now, as then, he felt that strange, sweet 
feeling pass over him, as he thought, They 
are not lovers.” How impatiently he looked for 
the dawn of another day, when he could stand 
face to face with this flxir being, and hold her 
soft hand in his, and look into the sweet, sad, 
dark, expressive windows of the soul. He had 
often gazed into a pair of eyes much like Miss St. 
James’s, but they had never had the power to thrill 
the inner depths of his heart. It was but a mo- 
mentary glance into a pure, innocent soul, and 
then, when away, forgotten. But absence from 
Miss St. James ever made her dearer, sweeter, 
more beautiful, and harder to forget, and when 
the last song was sung, and the curtain hung be- 
tween him and the love of his soul, he said, ‘‘That 
is a fair representation of my life. There is a 
gulf, or curtain, between us.” The following day 
he did not present himself at Miss St. James’ 
hotel, but remained at his own. Even when his 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


329 


cousin, Lord Lyric, and his lovely bride, urged 
him to go with them, he shook his head, and 
said : 

My dear cousin, you, of all men, should not 
urge me to put myself in Miss St. James’ 
way.” 

You are right, my dear Gordon,” said Lord 
Lyric. ‘‘ But you know, ^ Where the treasure is, 
there will the heart be also.’ And, Gordon, I do 
not blame you so much for this great trouble that 
has fallen to you and my sister. Placed in your 
circumstances, I should have acted just as you did^ 
perhaps; and I’m sorry for you from the bottom 
of my heart, and I am sorry my sister stands be- 
tween you. What a lesson this should be to young 
people who blindly rush to the marriage altar, and 
take upon themselves vows that the heart contra- 
dicts! It is strange, the agony and suffering 
one little mistake will cause us. Aunt Julia 
thought, when she planned this marriage, it was 
for your good, little dreaming how sadly it would 
end to those she held most dear on earth. 
And now, Gordon, what are your plans for the 
future? You are a young man yet, and in all 


330 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


probability you have a long chapter of life to 
read yet.” 

I have no plans,” said Gordon, sadly. 

When he was left to himself, he said, within 
his heart, “ I will not meet this fair, sweet woman 
again. I wdll leave Paris. It was mad, blind 
folly that led me to come near her again, to look 
on her beautiful face and listen to her voice.” 

All day and night he battled with the wild, 
sweet passion he had for this lovely woman. Be- 
tween her and himself stood his living wife, and 
at Dalhurst Castle was a grave where slept one 
that had lain on his breast and called him husband, 
after he had put his wife from him ; but this grave 
made no shadow between him and his love: it was 
the living shadow of her who had been so cruelly 
wronged. 

When another day dawned over the great 
French capital, he said, cannot leave Paris 
without hearing the soft rustling of her garments, 
and holding her hand in mine, and look once more 
in her clear, tender, beautiful eyes. I will then 
make a tour of the Continent, and return with the 
Earl to Virginia, and meet his daughter. It is 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


331 


justice to her that I should do so. She has lived 
so long in her sorrow and humiliation. Poor girl ! 
I am sorry she ever loved me, or rather regret I 
could not return that love; but I might in time 
have been happy if all had gone on well between 
us. At times I thought I did love her; but Miss 
St. James has taught me my heart never knew the 
meaning of the word love until I met her.” 


832 


A HEART TWICE WON, 


CHAPTER XXXIIL 

ONLY WAITING. 

M ISS ST. JAMES sat in her room, and a 
shadow of disappointment hovered over 
her lovely face. She fully expected Mr. Ralston 
to call on her that day ; but it was now evening, 
and he had not presented himself. She knew that 
he loved her with an all-absorbing love, and had 
known it for months; and never had her heart 
beat with such sweet, wild throbs, as it did when 
she first became aware of this knowledge. She 
feels she cannot appear before the public to-night. 
It was the first time, since she had been upon the 
stage, that she had disappointed the expecting 
audience. A low, nervous feeling had taken pos- 
session of her, and as she looked forth from her 
window on this gay and beautiful city, with its 
million of souls, she wonders if another being in 
it had known sorrow and suffering equal to her 
own. Would Mr. Ralston call again, and, if so, 
w^hat would be the result? She slept but little 


A HEART TWICE WON. 833 

that night, and the next morning she was looking 
unusually pale. But her face glowed with the 
hue of the roses a few hours later, as a servant 
appeared with a card bearing the name of Gordon 
Ealston. She had to use all her self-command to 
meet him apparently unmoved, for they would be 
alone. Mrs. Yon Herchien and the children had 
gone for a morning ride. 

When she reached the door of the reception- 
room, a dizzy sensation came over her. She could 
hear the beating of her own heart ; but with a 
mighty effort she went forward. She knew it was 
he, but she could not see ; but the sound of that 
well-remembered, low, deep-toned voice, sent a 
calm feeling of reassurance over her, and she 
raised her face to his. Their eyes met. She was 
shocked to see how pale and careworn he was, 
and how fast the silver threads had come among 
the golden locks that shaded the noble brow, and 
a sweet, tender look came into the gray eyes of 
Miss St. James, as she said : 

^^Have you been ill, Mr. Ealston?” 

Not ill in body. Miss St. James,” he replied, 
as he conducted her to a sofa, and took a seat 


334 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


beside her. But I have come to bid you an 
eternal farewell; and, Miss St. James, you know 
this is the bitterness of death,’’ and he caressed 
the beautiful hand he still held. You know I 
love you^ and you know the sorrow of my life. 
Now I have come to look on the face of the only 
woman I ever loved, and then to tear myself from 
her forever.” 

Miss St. James looked up reproachfully into his 
face, and said : 

“Mr. Ralston, why should it be an eternal 
farewell?” and he saw the deep love beaming from 
her face. 

“ Tell me, Miss St. James, was it your love for 
me that made you refuse Lord Hewling?” 

She answered softly and truly ; 

“ Yes, Mr. Ralston, it was.” 

He gathered her to his heart, and rained kisses 
on her sweet, upturned face. Oh, if he could die 
with his treasure clasped to his heart — with the 
beautiful love-light shining on her face! This was 
the only bright ray that had fallen over him since 
he crossed the threshold of Wimberlie house eight 
years ago, and now he released the one love of 


A HEART TWICE WOH. 335 

his soul, and turned his face, half expecting to see 
poor Kate standing at his side ; and with a low, 
sad cry, he buried his face in his hands. After a 
time he looked up, and saw Miss St. James’ face 
was as white as the rose in her hair, and her eyes 
'were filled with tears. He was fearfully tempted, 
and he fell upon his knees, and said : 

Miss St. James, you know my wu^etched 
history. I have endured the agonies of a 
thousand deaths, battling with this great love for 
you ! Why must I live on without you ? I 
cannot — I should go mad! Say, Miss St. James, 
will you be my wufe?” and great drops of 
perspiration stood on his pale brow. 

She took her soft lace handkerchief, and with 
her soft, fair hand, wuped them away, and said : 

Mr. Ralston, arise from my feet, else ray heart 
will break with this great joy that you love me I 
I have reached the age of twenty-five years, and 
you are the only man that has ever awakened 
more than a sisterly regard in my heart. But 
have you forgotten her you promised to love, 
honor and cherish at your dying mother’s bed- 
side ? Your wife, as the world called her, told me 
21 


336 


A HEART T’\TICE ^ON. 


of her, and of the great wrong she and her father 
had done to this girl. I do not approve of divorced 
people marrying again; but if you will meet your 
first wife at Wimberlie, the night on which she 
agreed to meet her father, and, after seeing her, 
you still wish me to be your wdfe, I will do so — 
that is, after I shall have given you the history of 
my life. It may be, wdien you see this woman 
again, the old love, that was springing into life, 
will rekindle, and as a reparation for her suffering, 
you may take her to your heart again. I hear she 
was good and pure, and she is the daughter of an 
Earl.’' He arose from his knees, and was about to 
say ^Hhat should never be,” when Miss St. James 
arose to her feet also, and put her hand to his 
mouth to stop the words he was about to utter, 
for she would rather he should not say them. 

Then promise me, Mr. Ralston, you will see her. 
Then come to me, if you still love me, and we 
will be as happy as we can, and try to forget that 
ever any shadow stood between us.” 

He strained her to his heart again, as he said : 

“Could you not tell me your life-history 
to-day?” 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


337 


Mr. Ralston; I would rather not; and 
now, will you promise to leave me, and not come 
near me until you stand face to hice with your 
first wife?” 

But why do you wish to deprive me of the 
pleasure of seeing you once in a while?” he said, 
sadly. 

Let it be as I say, Mr. Ralston, if you love 
me.” And she trembled with great agitation. 

^^Tell me. Miss St. James, how you knew the 
Earl’s daughter agreed to meet him at Wimberlie 
house?” 

Lord Ralston and his fair, sweet wife were 
telling my friend, Mrs. Yon Herchien, yesterday.” 

But after I pass through this ordeal. Miss St. 
James, where will I find you ? For I shall hold 
you to your promise, immediately after this meet- 
ing takes place.” 

Mrs. Yon Herchien will be at her father’s 
home, Bristo Lodge. Call on her ; she will inform 
you of my whereabouts.” 

Nine months is a long time to live without 
seeing your dear, beautiful face,” said Gordon, 
sadly. But it shall be as you say.” 


338 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


He pressed her to his heart again, and kissed 
the sweet, sad mouth, and then left her. She 
stood in the door, and watched him as he passed 
down the long corridor ; and a smile, as sweet as 
an angel’s, broke over her face, as she pressed her 
hand to her heart, murmuring, 

“ 0 Father, I thank thee ! he loves me, at last.” 
When the stars came out that night, Gordon 
was on his way to the Continent ; and each bright, 
twinkling star, he likened to the eyes of his heart’s 
love. 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


339 


CHAPTER XXXIY. 

TWICE MARRIED, BUT ALWAYS LOVED. 

H OW brightly the October sun shines around 
Wimberlie to-day ! How the waters of the 
James dance and sing over the rocks where Kate 
used to sit and talk to them ! A strange, lonely 
feeling came over Gordon, as he passed by the 
rock where she sat when he gave her his first hus- 
band’s kiss. Poor tempest- tossed, storm-beaten 
soul ! He was back at Wimberlie. The Earl and 
Countess were there ; also, happy Lyric, and his 
sweet, golden-haired wife, with a little dark-haired 
daughter, two months old. Florence is more lovely, 
if any thing, than when her husband first won her 
heart. The old Earl and Countess are very proud 
and fond of their grandchild. They were very 
much disappointed at first, hoping that their 
first grandchild would be a boy ; but they could 
not resist the pleading look of the soft gray eyes, 
which the Countess declared were so much like 


340 A HEART TWICE WON. 

Miss St. James’ ; and she said to the Earl, on this 
bright October day : 

I wish Miss St. James was here, to share in our 
joy when we meet our long-lost daughter. Oh, will 
she come ? It is over a year since you received 
that strange, mysterious letter. Where can she 
be ? and what has she been doing all this 
time ? Robert, she may never come ! Somehow 
I have a strange misgiving at my heart,” said the 
Countess, sorrowfully. This is the anniversary 
of Lyric’s marriage; and, strange to say, eight 
years since our child married Gordon Ralston, 
under this very roof.” 

Gordon heard this remark, and he left the house 
and walked down to the river. He kept along until 
at length he found himself at Bristo Lodge. He 
opened the gate, and went slowly up the walk, 
and sounded the ponderous brass knocker. He 
was soon admitted to our old friend Fannie’s 
presence. She was very glad to see him, and kept 
up a lively conversation of home and the dear ones, 
from whom she had been parted so long. Gordon 
could not content himself long in one place, and 
soon arose to go. He did not return to Wim^ 


A HEART TWICE WON. 341 

berlie house at once; but came back to the rock 
where Kate had so often sat. He threw himself 
down where they had sat on that Sabbath evening 
so long ago, and which he could never forget ; and 
he lived over in part all the wretched days that 
had followed since. Then he went to the old 
church-yard on the hill. He found his mother’s 
grave strewed with fresh flowers; and he won- 
dered whose hands had placed them there. 

It was she,” he said. She is in the neighbor- 
hood. She will keep her promise to her father. 
She will be at Wimberlie to-night. God pity me.” 

He laid his head on his mother’s grave. When 
he lifted, it again, the sun had sunk to rest behind 
the distant tree-tops, and the lamps were lighted 
for the night when he reached Wimberlie house. 
A few minutes after, dinner was announced. 

Gordon, with a pale and troubled face, took his 
place at the foot of the table, while Mrs. Wathoii 
occupied her accustomed place at the head, and 
did the honors with much gentle dignity; and 
when Gordon looked at her, a strange peace came 
over him, and for a time he tried to forget the last 
eight years of his life. 


342 


A HEART ’TWICE WON. 


When the meal was over they all repaired to 
the large, handsome drawing-rooms. About eight 
o’clock in the evening Mr. and Mrs. Yon Herchien 
arrived from the Lodge.” Fannie saw the 
troubled, anxious look on each face, and she 
asked : 

Has the Earl’s daughter arrived yet ? You 
know, dear Countess, we were schoolmates, and I 
could not resist the temptation to come and 
witness this meeting.” 

No, she has not come,” said the Earl, sadly. 

In a little while Gordon found himself near 
Fannie, and said, ‘‘Mrs. Yon Herchien, where is 
Miss St. James?” 

“ I will tell you in the morning, not to-night,” 
and she saw how much he suffered, but a happy 
smile played around her mouth, and a sweet, joy- 
ous excitement shone from her bright, sunny eyes. 

After a time she stole softly from the room ; no 
one seemed to notice her departure but her hus- 
band. How long she was gone no one knew. 
When she returned she was followed by a figure 
enveloped in a long, black cloak, with a lace 
mantle thrown over her head and face. Every 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


343 


one in the room arose to their feet as Fannie’s 
clear, merry, ringing voice, said : 

‘‘The EarVs daughter has arrived V' No one 
saw the golden-haired boy Fannie led by the 
hand. The figure in the cloak swept forward and 
threw herself on the Countess’ bosom, exclaiming: 

Oh, my mother ! my precious mdther ! at last 
I can claim you ! ” 

Fannie tore the cloak and mantle away, and 
all saw, with wild, startling eyes, that Miss St. 
James, in all her rare, magnificent, and glorious 
womanhood, stood before them. The chain and 
locket rested on the alabaster neck, and the crim- 
son rose w^as on the bare, white arm. The Coun- 
tess saw all this at a glance, and she raised her 
eyes to heaven and said: 

^^0 Father in heaven, I thank thee for giving 
me such a daughter ! ” 

The Earl came forward and embraced his fair, 
beautiful daughter. Lyric also was going forward, 
when Mrs. Wathon laid her hand on his arm and 
said : 

My lord, my turn comes next,” and she went 
and gathered Kate in her arms; and the warm, 


344 


A HEART TWICE WON'.' 


glad tears rained down her cheeks as she said, 
Oh, little sea-bird, how could you deceive me so, 
when my heart thirsted so for your love ; but you 
have not surprised me so very much, for I had 
strong suspicions of your identity, but could obtain 
no positive proof” After Lyric and Florence had 
gotten through with their greetings, poor Gordon 
Ralston arose, tottered forward, and fell at his 
idol’s feet, 'and a great cry of anguish, as if it came 
from a breaking heart, sounded through the room. 
Kate held out her hand and said, ‘^Arise to your 
feet, Mr. Ralston,” and as he did so she flew into 
his outstretched arms, with a low, glad cry of joy, 
and pillowed her beautiful head on his bosom. 
The Earl tried to unclasp Gordon’s arms from 
around his daughter’s form, and there was a dash 
of mirth in his tones as he said, Release this 
lovely being, sir, and remember she is my daugh- 
ter and your divorced wife.” 

Kate raised her gray eyes to Gordon’s face, and 
read the strange, conflicting emotions that passed 
through his mind; and she turned to the Earl, 
her father, and said : 

Yes, .dear father, I am your proud and happy 


345 


A HE^fcRT TWICE WON. 

daughter, and Mr. Kalston’s divorced wife; but 
he is also the father of iny son. Come here, 
Lester ; ” and at her bidding, the tender, beautiful 
boy came to his mother’s side. 

The little fellow knew now he was not Mrs. 
Von Hercbien’s son ; but that the beautiful woman 
he loved so much, as Miss St. James, was his own, 
dear mamma. Gordon saw now, as he stooped 
and gathered his son to his heart, that his own 
image was reflected in that young, tender, beau- 
tiful face. 

We will pass over the explanations that fol- 
lowed, and merely add, that after Kate had left 
Wimberlie house she went to Baltimore, to her 
dear friend, Fannie. The March following, 
her child was born ; and Fannie had shown more 
than a sisterly devotion in caring for her and her 
helpless little one. To the world she was his 
mother; for after Kate thought of going on the 
stage, it would never have done for it to have 
been known that she was a divorced woman, no 
matter how innocent she might be. So hardly 
knowing if she had a name, Fannie gave her the 
name of Miss St. James, after the beautiful river 


346 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


that swept majestically and proudly by her child- 
hood’s home, and on whose banks they two had 
played together. After it was announced in the 
papers that Kate was dead, she felt she could not 
let Gordon know she still lived. But the reader 
knows how it all came about, and we have come 
to the time when Gordon Ralston stands before 
the altar again with the beautiful woman at his 
side, and the words of the now aged pastor, Mr. 
Somerville, are very solemn and impressive, as he 
pronounces a blessing upon these two; who have 
been divorced, and for whom he has twice per- 
formed the sacred, solemn rites of marriage. Yes ; 
they were married in the new, large church, built 
upon the hill. The old one, whose walls had 
stood so long, had been torn down, and a new and 
magnificent one built in its place. No pen could 
do justice to the happiness of these two people. 
In time the aged Earl of Dalhurst was gathered 
home with his ancestors ; he, who was 
known for so long in our story as Frank Brent, 
became tenth Earl of Dalhurst; and sweet Flor- 
ence, who never expected any thing, is now 
Countess of Dalhurst, and wears the Dalhurst 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


347 


diamonds; and the dowager Countess says she 
knows they never quivered and sparkled on any 
Countess so fair as her beloved Florence. The 
young Earl and Countess have also been blessed 
with a son, wdio bears the name of his noble 
grandfather, Robert. Other children than Lester 
have clustered around Gordon’s hearth. The first 
was a girl, born at Wimberlie house some months 
after the little Robert was born at Dalhurst Castle. 
At . one time Lyric thought to bring about a 
marriage between Lester and his first-born; but 
Lester’s affections are too deeply centred on the 
bright little gypsy, Beatrice Yon Herchien ; and 
the members of Wimberlie house and the Lodge” 
were pleased that it should be so. And the little 
Lady Kate Ralston ” had laid her bright, brown 
head in her father’s lap, and said : “ Papa, I shall 
never marry any one but Hally Wathon, the 
banker’s son.” And the members of Dalhurst 
Castle and Rose Manor are contented. It 
may be that Kate’s daughter, Virginia, will one 
day be Countess of Dalhurst, when she and 
Robert are older : who knows ? Gordon and 
Kate live at Wimberlie house and are very happy. 




348 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


Shortly after the birth of her daughter she^, 
received a letter from her brother, with invita- 
tions to attend Lord Hewling’s marriage, and a 
bright, angelic smile overspread her face, as she 
handed the invitations to her h^'&sband. 

Each summer Gordon and Kate take their 
children to the manor house among the moun- 
tains, and spend several weeks very happily. 
Kate never makes any allusion to the suffering 
she endured here. Aunt Rachel is chief nurse to 
Massa Gordon’s children.” She has been heard 
to say to Sam, her husband : 

^^Dar, Sam, what I tell you — how I hope to 
miss Massa Gordon’s chilun, and great-great-gran’- 
chilun. I spec’s I will do it, honey. And what 
did I tell you about de Randolphs? Yes, honey, 
it’s so. When a Randolph ’dorses a thing it is 
thar, and Sam, honey, you knows I’se a Randolph, 
and not a Wimberlie.” 

But Sam is too old to hear her, and he shakes 
his white woolly head to everything aunt Rachel 
says ; always giving her the same reply : Yes, 
Rachel, honey.” 

Mr. and Mrs. Bristo sleep in the churchyard 


A HEART TWICE WON. 


349 




on the hill. Our sweet friend Fannie and her 
husband live at the Lodge.” The aged Mr. 
Somerville has been gathered home, after a long 
life of useful labor. Dr. Goodwin still lives, also 
Mr. Leland; bfll^ they are very old. Julia’s 
crimes have never passed dear, sweet Kate’s lips, 
not even to her husband. And now, dear reader, 
you who have had the patience to follow us through 
this story, we are very loath to part with, when all 
are so happy; but one who is very dear tons lays 
his hand on our shoulder, and says: 

The hour is late: write — 


‘^THE END.” 


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Michael Rudolph, 1 


Above are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each 

EMERSON BENNETT’S WORKS, 

Complete in seven large duodecimo volumes, hound in cloth, gilt hack, price $1.75 
each ; w $12.25 a set, each set is put up in a neat hex. 


The Border Rover, $1 75 

Clara Moreland, 1 75 

The Orphan’s Trials, I 75 


Bride of the Wilderness, $1 75 

Ellen Norbury, 1 75 

Kate Clarendon, 1 75 


Viola; or Adventures in the Far South-West, 1 75 

Above are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 

The Heiress of Beilefonte, 75 | The Pioneer’s Daughter, 75 

D0ESTICK3’ WORKS, 

Complete in four large duodecimo volumes, hound in cloth, gilt back, price $1.7i 
each ; err $7.00 a set, each set is put uj) in a neat hox. 

Doesticks’ Letters,.... $l 75 I The Elephant Club, $1 75 

Plu-Ri-Bus-Tah, 1 75 1 Witches of New York, 1 75 

Above are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 

GREEN’S WORKS ON GAMBLING. 

Complete in four large duodecimo volumes, hound in cloth, gilt back, pince $1.75 
each; or $7.00 a set, each set is put up in a neat box. 

Gambling Exposed $1 75 i Reformed Gambler, $1 75 

The Gambler’s Life, 1 75 [ Secret Band of Brothers, 1 75 

Above arc each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 

DOW’S PATENT SERMONS. 

Complete in four large duodecimo volumes, hound in cloth, gilt hack, price $1.50 
each ; or $6.00 a set, each set is put up in a neat box. 

Dow’s Patent Sermons, 1st Dow’s Patent Sermons, 3d 


Series, cloth, $1 50 

Dow’s Patent Sermons, 2d 
Series, cloth 1 50 


Series, cloth, $1 50 

Dow’s Patent Sermons, 4th 
Series, cloth 1 50 


Above are each in cloth, or each one i.s in paper cover, at $1.00 each. 

WILKIE COLLINS’ BEST WORKS. 

Basil; or. The Crossed Path..$l 50 | The Dead Secret. 12mo $1 60 

Above are each in one large duodecimo volume, bound in eloth. 


The Queen’s Revenge, 75 

Miss or Mrs? 50 

Mad Monkton, 50 

Sights a-Foot, 50 


The Dead Secret, 8vo 7.5 

Basil; or, the Crossed Path, 75 

Hide and Seek, 75 

After Dark, 75 

The Stolen Mask, 25 j The Yellow Mask,... 25 | Sister Rose,,., 2i 

The above books are each issued in paper cover, in octavo form. 

FRANK FORRESTER’S SPORTING BOOK. 

Prank Forrester’s Sporting Scenes and Characters. By Henry Wil- 
liam Herbert. With Illustrations by Darley. Two vols., cloth,.. .$4 00 


Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


4 T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS’ PUBLICATIONS. 
WORKS BY THE VERY BEST AUTHORS. 

The followiny books are each issued in one larye duodecimo volume, 
bound in cloth, at $1.76 each, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 

The Initials. A Love Story. By Baroness Tautphoeus, $I 75 

Married Beneath Him. By author of “ Lost Sir Massin^berd,” J 75 

Lost Sir Massingberd. By author of “ Married Beneath Him,” 1 75 

The Clyflfards of Clyffe, by author of “ Lost Sir Massingberd,” 1 75 

Margaret Maitland. By Mrs. Oliphant, author of “Zaidee,” 1 75 

Family Pride. By author of ‘‘ Pique,” “ Family Secrets,” etc 1 75 

Self-Sacrifice. By author of Margaret Maitland,” etc 1 75 

The Woman in Black. A Companion to the “Woman in White,”... 1 75 

A Woman’s Thoughts about Women. By Miss Muloch, 1 75 

Flirtations in Fashionable Life. By Catharine Sinclair, 1 75 

False Pride; or, Two Ways to Matrimony. A Charming Book, 1 75 

Hose Dougla-i. A Companion to “ Family Pride,” and “ Self Sacrifice,” 1 75 
Family Secrets. A Companion to “Family Pride,” and “Pique,”... 1 75 

Tlie Heiress in the Family. B 3 ' Mrs. Mackenzie Daniel, 1 75 

Popery E.xposed. y\n Exposition of Popery as it was and is, 1 75 

The Heiress of Sweetwater. A Charming Novel, 1 75 

Woman’s Wrong. By Mrs. Eiloart, author of “St. Bede’s,” 1 75 

The Autobiography of Edward Wortley Montagu, 1 75 

A Lonely Life. By the author of “ Wise as a Serpent,” etc 1 75 

The Macdermots of Ballycloran. By Anthony Trollope, 1 75 

The Forsaken Daughter. A Companion to “Linda,” 1 75 

Love and Liberty. A Revolutionary Story. By Alexander Dumas, 1 75 

The Morrisons. By Mrs. Margaret Hosmer, 1 75 

My Son’s Wife. By author of “ Ca.-te,” “Mr. Arle,” etc 1 75 

fhe Rich Husband. By author of •• Ceorge Gcith,” 1 75 

Harem Life in Egypt and Constantinople. By Emmeline Lott, 1 75 

The Rector’s Wife; or, tlie Valley of a Hundred Fires, 1 75 

Woodhurn Grange. A Novel. By William Howitt, 1 75 

Country Quarters. By the Countess of Biessingtnn, 1 75 

‘^utof the Depths. The Story of a “’Woman’s Life,” 1 75 

The Devoted Bride. A Story o'" the Heart. By St. George Tucker, I 75 

'I'he Coquette: or, the Life and Letters of Eliza Wharton, 1 75 

'I'lie Pride of Life. A Story of the Heart. By Lady Jane Scott 1 75 

The Lost Beauty. Bv a Noted Lady of the Spanish Court, 1 75 

My klero. By Mrs. Forrester. A Charming Love Story, 1 75 

The Quaker Soldier. A Revolutionary Romance. By Judge Jones,.... 1 75 
d'he Man of the World. An Autobiography. By William North,... 1 75 
The Queen’s Favorite; or. The Price of a Crown. A Love Story,... 1 75 

Self Love; or, The Afterneon of Single and Married Life, 1 75 

Memoirs of Vidocq, the French Detective. His Life and Adventures, 1 75 
Cainors. “The Man of the Second Empire.” By Octave Feuillet,.. 1 75 
The Belle of Washington. With h(M- Portrait. By Mrs. N. P. Lasselle, 1 75 
Cora Belmont; or. The Sincere Lover. A True Siorv (tf the H -art,. 1 75 
Tlie Lover’s Trials; or Days befo-e 177fi. By .Mr*'. Mary A. Denison, 1 75 
High Life in Washington. A Life Picture. By Mrs. N. P. Lasselle, 1 75 

The Beatitiful Widow; or, Lodore. By Mrs. Percy B. Shelley, 1 75 

Love and Money. By J. B. Jones, author of the “ Rival Belles,”... 1 75 
The Matchmaker. A Story of High Life. By Beat) ee Reynolds,.. 1 76 
The, Brother’s Secret ; or, the Count De Mara. By Wiliam God win, 1 75 
Life, Speeches .and Martyrdom of Abraham Lincoln. Illustrated,... 1 75 
Rome and the Papacy. A Histor}^ of the Men, Manners and Tempo- 
ral Government of Rome in the Nineteenth Century, 1 75 

Above books are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 


Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on Receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


T. E. PETERSOIT A BROTHERS’ PUBLICATIONS. 5 


WORKS BY THE VERY BEST AUTHORS. 

The Jolluwiny bouku are each insued iit one Uirye ditodevimo volume^ 
hoHiid ill cloih, at $1.75 each, or each one is in paper cover at $1.50 each. 
Tlie Count of Moute-Cristo. By Alexander Dumas. Illustrated, ...$1 75 
The Countess of Monte-Cristo. Paper cover, price $1.00 ; or cloth,.. 1 75 

Camille,* or, the Fate of a Coquette. By Ale.xaiider Dumas, 1 75 

Tlie Lost Love. By Airs. Oliphant. author of *' Margaret Alaitlami,” 1 75 
The Roman Traitor. By Henry William Herbert. A Roman Story, 1 75 

The Bohemians of London. By Edward AI. VVhitly, 1 75 

The Rival Sellesj or. Life in Washington. By J. B. Jones, 1 75 

Love and Duty. By Airs. Ilubbaek, author of ‘‘ May and December,” 1 75 
Wild Sports and Adventures in Africa. By Alajor W. C. Harris, 1 75 
Courtship and Matrimony. By Robert Moi ris. With a Portrait,... 1 75 

Tl)e Jeaious Husband. By Annette Alarie Alaillard, 1 75 

The Refugee. By Herman Alelvilie, author of “ Omoo,” •* Typee,” 1 75 

The Life, Writings, and Lectures of the late “ Fanny Fern,” 1 75 

Tile Life and Lectures of Lola Alontez, with her portrait, 1 75 

Wild Soutliern Scenes. By author of “Wild Western Scenes,” 1 75 

Cuirer Lyle; or, the Autobiography of an Acires.s. By Louise Reeder. 1 75 

The Cabin and Parlor. By J. Thornton Randolph. Illustrated, 1 75 

The Little Beauty. A Love Story. By Mrs. Grey 1 75 

Lizzie Glenn; or, the Trials of a Seamstress. By T. S. Arthur 1 75 

Lady Maud; nr, the Wonder of Kingsu ood Cliase. By Pierce Egan, 1 75 

Wilfred Montressor; or, High Life in New A’oik. Illustrated 1 75 

The Old Stone Mansion. By C. J. Pclersou, author “ Kate Ayleslord,” 1 75 
Kate Aylesford. By Chas. J. Peterson, author “ Old Stone Alansion,”. 1 75 

Jjorritner Littlegood, by author “ Harry Coverdale’s Courtship,” 1 75 

The Etirl’s Secret. A Love Story. By Aliss Pardoe, 1 75 

The Adopted Heir. By Miss Pardoe. author of “The Earl’s Secret,” 1 75 

Coal, Co.il Oil, ami all other Minerals in the Earth. By Eli Bowen, 1 75 

Secession, Coercion, and Civil War. By J. B. Jones, 1 75 

Above books are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1 .50 each. 
The Dead Secret. By Wilkie C<dlins, author “ The Crossed Path,”... 1 60 

The Crossed Path ; or Basil. By Wilkie Collins, 1 50 

Indiana. A Love Story. By George Sand, author of “ Cotisuelo,” 1 50 
Jealon>y ; or, Teverino. By George Sand, author of •* Con.-uelo,” etc. 1 50 
Six Nights with the Washingtonians, Illustrated. By T. S. Artb#!*, J 50 

BOOKS FOR PRIVATE STUDY AND SCHOOLS. 

The Lawrence Speaker. A Selection of Literary Getns in 1 oetry and 
Prose, designed for the use of Colleges, Schools. Seminal ies. Literary 
Societies. By Philip Lawrence, Professor of Elocution. bdC pages..$2 00 
Comstock’s Elocution and Alodel Speaker. Intended for the use of 
Schools, Colleges, and for private Study, for the Piomotion of 
Health, Cure of Stammering, and Defective Articulation. Bn'^ An- 
drew Comstock and Philip Lawrence. With ?:'.b Illustration,. 2 00 

The French, German. Sm'nl^h. Latin and Italian l.anguagi .- Without 
a Master. Whereby any one of these Languages can be learned 

without a Teacher.' By A. H. Monieith. One volume, cloth 2 00 

Comstock's Colored Chnrt. Being a perfect Alphabet of the Eng- 
lish Language, Graphic and 'I'ypic, with exercises in Pitch, Force 
and GesUirerand Sixty-Eight cfdored figures, representing the va- 
rious postures and different attitudes to be used in declamation. 

On a large Roller. Every School should have a copy of it 5 00 

Liebig’s Complete Works on Chemistry. By Baron Justus Liebig... 2 00 


Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on Receipt of Retail Price 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


6 T. B. PETERSON & BROTESRS’ PUBLICATIONS. 


WORKS BY THE VERY BEST AUTHORS. 

The following hooka are each issued in one large duodecimo volume^ 
hound in cloth, at $1.76 each, or each one is in 'paper cover, at $1.50 each. 

Rose Foster. By George W. M. Reynold.'j, Esq., $1 75 

The Conscript; or, the Days of Napoleon 1st. By Ale.x. Dumas,.... 1 75 
Cousin Harry. By Mrs. Drey, author of “ The Gambler’s Wife,” etc. 1 75 
Saratoga. An Indian Tale of Frontier Life. A true Story of 1787,.. 1 75 

Married at Last. A Love Story. By Annie Thoma.«, 1 75 

Shoulder Straps. By Henry Morford, author of '• Days of Shoddy,” 1 75 

Days of Shoddy. By Henry Morford, author of “ Shoulder Straps,” 1 75 

The Coward. By Henry Morford, author of ‘‘ Shoulder Straps,” 1 75 

Tlie Cavalier. By G. P. R. James, author of ‘‘Lord Montagu’s Page," 1 75 
Lord Montagu’s Page. By G. P. R. James, author of “Cavalier,”... 1 75 
Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth’s Popular Novels. 42 vols. in all, 73 50 

Mrs. Ann S. Stephens’ Celebrated Novels. 22 volumes in all, 38 50 

Mrs. C. A. Warfield’s Works. Nine volumes in all, 15 75 

Miss Eliza A. Dupuy’s Works. Fourteen volumes in all, 24 50 

Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz’s Novels. Twelve volumes in all, 21 00 

Frederika Bremer’s Novels. Six volumes in all, 10 60 

T. A. Trollope’s Works. Seven volumes in all, 12 25 

Jamj|^ A. Maitland’s Novels. Seven volumes in all, 12 25 

Q. k. Philander Doestick’s Novels. Four volumes in all, 7 O'J 

Cook Books. The best in the world. Eleven vtdumes in all, 19 25 

Mrs. Henry Wood’s Novels. Seventeen volumes in all, 29 75 

Emerson Bennett’s Novels. Seven volumes in all, 12 25 

Dreen’s Works on Gambling. Four volumes in all 7 0!i 

Above books are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 


The following hooks are each issued in one large octavo volume, hound in, 
cloth, at $2.00 each, or each one is done iq) in i^aper cover, at $1.50 each. 

The Wandering Jew. By Eugene Sue. Full of Illustrations, ,$2 00 

Mysteries of Paris; and its Sequel, Gerolslein. By Eugene Sue,.... 2 00 

Martin, the Foundling. By Eugene Sue. Full of Illustrations, 2 00 

Ten Thousand a Year. By Samuel Warren. With Illustrations,.... 2 00 

Washington and Hi.s General.'-. By George Lippard 2 00 

The Quaker City; or, the Monks of Monk Hall. By Geoige Lippard, 2 00 

Blanche of Brandy wiu''. By George Lip[>ard, 2 00 

Paul Ardenheim ; the Monk of Wi<sahi(.dcon. By George Lijipard,. 2 00 

The Pictorial Tower of London. By W. Harrison Ainsworth, 2 50 

Above books are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 


The f jllowing are each issued in one 1 irge orfaro volume, hound in cloth, price $2.00 
each, or a cheap edition is issued in paper cover, at 7 5 cents each. 


Charles O’Malley, the Irish Dragoon. By Charles Lever, Cloth, $2 00 

Harry Lorrequer. AYith his Confessions. By Charles Lever,. ..Cloth, 2 00 

Jack Hinton, the Guardsman. By Charles Lever, Cioth, 2 00 

D.ivenport Dunn. A IMan of Oar Day. By Charles Lever,. ..Cloth, 2 00 

Tom Burke of Ours. By Charles Lcvi r Cloth, 2 00 

The Knight of Gwynne. By Charles Ijcver, Cloth, 2 00 

Arthur O’Leary. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 2 00 

Con Cregan. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 2 00 

Horace 'J'cmpleton. By Charles Lever Cloth, 2 00 

Kate O’Donoghue. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 2 00 

Valentino Vox, the Ventriloquist. By Harry Cockton, Cloth, 2 00 


Above are each in cloth, or each one is in paper cover, at 75 cents each. 


Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Srothers, Pbiladelpbia, Pa. ' 


T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS’ PUBLICATIONS. 7 


NEW AND GOOD BOOKS BY BEST AUTHORS. 

Beautiful Snow, anil Other Poem.s. Ntw Illustrated Edition. By J. 

W. Watson. With Illustrations by E. L. Henry. One volume, green 
morocco cloth, gilt top, side, and back, price $2.00; or in maroon 

morocco cloth, full gilt edges, full gilt back, full gilt sides, etc., $5 01 

The Outcast, and Other Poems. By J. W. Watson. One volume, 
green morocco cloth, gilt top, side and back, price $2.00 ; or in ma- 
roon morocco cloth, full gilt edges, full gilt back, full gilt sides, ... 3 Od 
The Young Magdalen; and Other Poems. By Francis S. Smith, 
editor of “ The New York Weekly.” With a portrait of the author. 
Complete in one large volume of 300 pages, bound in green mo- 
rocco cloth, gilt top, side, anil back, price $3,00 ; or in maroon 
morocco cloth, full gilt edges, full gilt back, full gilt sides, etc...... 4 Oft 

Hans Breitmann’s Ballads. By Charles G. Leland. Volume One. Con- 


taining the “ First" “Second ” and “ Third Series” of the “ Breit- 

viann Ballads,” bound in morocco cloth, gilt, beveled boards, 3 00 

Hans Breitmann’s Ballads. By Charles G. Leland. Volume Two. 
Containing the “Fourth” and “Fifth Series” of the “ Breitmann 

Ballads,” bound in morocco cloth, gilt, beveled boards, 2 00 

Hans Breitmann’s Ballads. By Charles G. Leland. Being the above 
two volumes complete in one. In one large volume, bound in 


morocco cloth, gilt side, gilt top, and full gilt back, with beveled 
boards. With a full and complete Glossary to the whole work, ....*4 00 * 
Meister Karl’s Sketch Book. By Charles G. Leland, (Hans Breit- 
inann.) Complete in one volume, green morocco cloth, gilt side, 
gilt top, gilt back, with beveled boards, price $2.50, or in maroon 


morocco cloth, full gilt edges, full gilt back, full gilt sides, etc., 3 50 

Historical Sketches of Plymouth, Luzerne Co., Penna. By Hendrick 

B. Wright, of Wilkesb irre. With Twenty-five Photographs, 4 00 

John Jasper’s Secret. A Sequel to Charles Dickens’ “ Mystery of 

E Iwin Drood.” With 18 Illustrations. Bound in cloth, 2 00 

riie Last Athenian. From the Swedish of Victor Rydberg. Highly 
recommended by Fredrika Bremer. Paper $1.50, cr in cloth, 2 00 


Across the Atlantic. Letters from France, Switzerland. Germany, 

Italy, and England. By C. H. Haeseler, M.D. Bound in cloth,... 2 00 
'The Ladies’ Guide to True Politeness and Perfect Manners. By 
Miss Leslie. Every lad3' should have it. Cloth, full gilt baok,... 1 75 
The Ladies’ Complete Gui le to Needlework and Embroidery. With 

113 illustr.ifions. By IMiss Lambert. Cloth, full gilt back, 1 75 

Toe Ladies’ Work Table Book. With 27 illustrations. Cloth, gilt,. 1 50 
The Story of Elizabeth. By Miss Thackeray, paper $1.00, or cloth,... 1 50 
Dow’s Short Patent Sermons. By Dow, Jr. In 4 vols., cloth, each.... 1 50 
Wild Oats Sown Abroad. A Spiev Book. By T. B. Witmer, cloth,... 1 50 
Aunt Patty’s Scrap Bag. By Mrs. C.aroline Lee Hentz, author of 

Linda,” etc. Full of Illustrations, and bound in cloth, 1 56 

llollick’s Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Figure. Illustrated 
by a perfect dissected plate of the Human Organization, and by 
other separate plates of the Human Skeleton, such as Arteries, 

Veins, the Heart, Lungs, Trachea, etc. Illustrated. Bound, 2 00 

Life and Adventures of Don Quixote and his Squire Sancho Panza, 
complete in one large volume, paper cover, for $1.00, or in cloth,.. 1 75 
The LaAVs and Practice of the Game of Euchre, as adopted by the 

Euchre Club of Washington. D. C. Bound in cloth, 1 00 

Ridilell’s Model Architect. With 22 large full page colored illus- 
trations, and 44 plates of ground plans, with plans, specifications, 
costs of building, etc. One large quarto volume, bound, .$15 08 

Above Books will bo seat, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Prii>a» 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


8 T. B. PETERSOH & BROTHERS’ PUBLICATIONS. 


NEW AND GOOD BOOKS BY BEST AUTHORS. 

Treason at Home. A Novel. By Mrs. Greenough, cloth, $1 75 

Letters from Europe. By Colonel John W. Forney. Bound in cloth, 1 7o 

Frank Fairleigh. By author of “ Lewis Arundel,” cloth, 175 

Lewis Arundel. By author of “ Frank Fairleigh,” cloth, 1 <5 

Moore’s Life of Hon. Schuyler Colfax, with a Portrait on steel, cloth, 1 50 

Whitefriars; or. The Days of Charles the Second. Illustrated, 1 (JO 

Tan-go-ru-a. An Historical Dz-ama, in Prose. By Mr. Moorhead,.... 1 00 

The Impeachment Trial of Pi*esident Andi’ew Johnson. Cloth, 1 50 

Trial of the Assassins for the Murder of Abraham Lincoln. Cloth,... 1 50 
Lives of Jack Shepptxrd and Guy Fawkes. Illustrated. One vol., cloth, 1 75 

([lonsuelo, and Countess of Rudolstadt. One volume, cloth, 2 00 

l\Ionsieur Antoine. By George Sand. Illustrated. One vol., cloth, 1 00 
AuroPzx Floyd. By Miss Braddon. One vol., paper 75 cents, cloth,... 1 00 
Christy and White’s Complete Ethiopian Melodies, bound in cloth,... 1 00 

The Life of Charles Dickens. By 11. Shelton Mackenzie, cloth, 2 00 

The Life of Edwin Forrest; with Reminiscences and Personal Recol- 
lections. By Colley Cibber. AVith a Portrait and Autograph, 2 00 

Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott. One 8 vo. volume, fine binding, 5 00 

Life of Sir Walter Scott. By John G. Lockhart. AAGth Portrait, 2 60 

The Shakspeare Novels. Complete in one large octavo volume, cloth, 4 00 
Miss Pardoe’s Choice Novels. In one hirge octavo volume, cloth,... 4 00 
The Waverley Novels. National Edition. Five large 8 vo. vols., cloth, 15 00 
Charles Dickens’ Works. People's \2mo. Edition. 22 vols., cloth, 34 00 
Charles Dickens’ Works. Green Cloth \2mo. Edition. 22 vols., cloth, 44 00 
Charles Dickens’ Works. Illustrated V2mo. Edition. 30 vols., cloth, 55 00 
Charles Dickens’ Works. Illustrated 8oo. Edition. 18 vols., cloth, 31 50 
Charles Dickens’ Works. New National Edition. 7 volumes, cloth, 20 00 

HUMOROUS ILLUSTRATED WORKS. 

Each one is full of Illustrations, by Felix 0. G. Darley, and hound in Cloth. 

Major Jones’ Courtship and Travels. AVith 21 Illustrations, ..$1 75 

Major .Jones’ Scenes in Georgia. AVith 16 Illustrations, 1 ',5 

Simon Suggs’ Adventures and Travels. AALth 17 Illustrations, 1 75 

Swamp Doctor’s Adventures in the South-AVest. 14 Illustrations... 1 75 

Col. Thorpe’s Scenes in Arkansaw. AVith 16 Illustrations,. 1 75 

The Big Bear’s Adventures and Ti*avels. AVith 18 Illustrations, 1 75 

High Life in New York, by Jonathan Slick. AVith Illustrations,'.'.’.*. 1 75 

Judge Haliburton’s Yankee Stories. Illustrated, 1 75 

H.aiTy Coverdale’s Courtship and Mai-ringe. Illusti-ated, 1 75 

Piney AVood’s Tavei-n; or, Sam Slick in Texas. Illustrated, !!!] 1 75 

Sam Slick, the Clockmaker. By Judge Ilaliburton. Illustrated,... 1 75 
Humors of Faleonbridge. By J. F. Kelley. AVith Illustrations, ... 1 75 

.Alodern Chivalry. By Judge Breckenridge. Two vols., each 1 75 

Neal’s Charcoal Sketches. By Joseph C. Neal. 21 Illustrations,... 2 50 

MADAME GEORGE SAND’S WORKS. 

Consuelo, 12mo., cloth, $l 50 1 Jealousy, 1 2mo. cloth, .$1 50 

Countess of Rudolstadt, 1 60 1 Indiana, 12mo., doth, i 50 

Above are only published in 12mo., cloth, gilt side and back.’ 

Fanchon, the Cricket, price $ 1.00 in paper, or in cloth, 1 50 

First and TrCie Love, 75 (The Corsair 50 

Simon. A Love Story 50! The Last Aldini, 50 

Monsieur Antoine. AVith 1 1 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cen.ts ; cloth’ 1 00 
Consuelo and Countess (if Rudolstadt, octavo, cloth...... 2 00 


5.^ Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Petersen & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


T. B. PETEBSOU & EROTHEBS’ PUBLICATIONS. 


BUMAS’, BEYNOIBS’, AND OTHER BOOKS IN CLOTH. 

The follotoing are cloth editiovs of the' following good bookx, and they art 
each issued in one large volume, bound in cloth, ^yrice $1.75 each. 

Tho Three Guardsmen ; or, The Three Mousquetaires. By A. Dumas, $1 75 
Twenty Years After; or WiQ Second Series of Three Guardsmen,”... 1 75 
Bragelonnc; Son of Athos ; or “ Third Series of Three Guardsmen,” 1 75 
The Iron Mask; or the “Fourth Series of The Three Guardsmen.”.... 1 75. 
Louise La Valliere; or tho “Fifth Series and End of the Three 

Guardsmen Series, ” 1 75 

The Memoirs of a Physician. By Alexander Dumas. | Illustrated,... 1 75 
Queen’s Necklace; or “ Second Series of Memoirs oj a Physician,” 1 75 
Six Years Later; or the “ Third Series of Memoirs <f a Physician,” 1 75 
Countess of Charny ; or “ Fourth Series of Memoirs of a Physician,” 1 75 
Andree De Taverney ; or “ Fifth Series <f Memoirs of a Physician,” 1 75 
The Chevalier; or the “Sixth Series and End of the Memoirs <f a 


Physician Series,” 1 75 

The Adventures of a Marquis. By Alexander Dumas 1 75 

Edmond Dantes. A Sequel to the “ Count of Monte-Cristo,” 1 75 


The Forty-Five Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas. Illustrated,... 1 75 
Diana of Meridor, or Lady of Monsorcau. By Alexander Dumas,... 1 75 
The Iron Hand. By Alex. Dumas, author “Count of Montc-Cristo,” 1 75 
The Mysteries of the Court of London. By George W. M. Reynolds, 1 75 
Rose Foster; or the “Second Series ef Mysteries if Court if London,” 1 75 
Caroline of Brunswick; or the “ Third Series of the Court of London,” 1 75 
Venetia Trelawney; or “ End of the Mysteries if the Court of London,” 1 75 


Lord Saxondale ; or the Court of Queen Victoria. By Reynolds, 1 75 

Count Christoval. Sequel to “ Lord Saxondale.” By Reynolds, 1 75 

Rosa Lambert; or Memoirs of an Unfortunate "Woman. By Reynolds, 1 75 
Mary Price; or the Adventures of a Servant Maid. By Reynolds,... 1 75 
Eustace Quentin. Sequel to “Mary Price.” By G. W.'M. Reynolds, 1 75 
Joseph Wilmot; or the Memoirs of a Man Servant. By Reynolds,,.. 1 75 

Banker’s Daughter. Sequel to “Joseph Wilmot.” By Reynolds 1 75 

Kenneth. A Romance of tho Highlands. By G. W, M, Reynolds, 1 75 

Rye-House Plot; or the Conspirator’s Daughter. By Reynolds, 1 75 

Necromancer ; or the Times of Henry the Eighth. By' Reynolds, 1 75 

Within the Maze. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “East Lynne,”. 1 75 
yDone Hollow, By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “Within the Maze,” 1 75 
Bessy Rane. By Mrs, Henry Wood, author of “ The Channings,”.... 1 75 
George Canterbury’s Will. By Mrs. Wood, author “Oswald Cray,” 1 75 
The Channings. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “ Dene Hollow,”... 1 75 

Roland Yorke. A Sequel to “ ’The Channings.” By Mrs. Wood, 1 75 

Shadow of Ashly'dyatt. By Mrs. Wood, author of “ Bessy Rane,” 1 75 


Lord Oakburn’s Daughters ; or The Earl’s Heirs. By Mrs. Wood,... 1 75 
Verner’s Pride. By Mrs. llenry Wood, author of “The Channings,” 1 75 
The Castle’s Heir; or Lady Adelaide’s Oath. By Mrs. Henry Wood, 1 75 
Oswald Cray. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “Roland Yorke,”.... 1 75 

Squire Trevlyn’s Heir; or ’Trevlyn Hold. By Mrs. Henry Wood, 1 75 

'The Red Court Farm. By Mrs. Wood, author of “ Verner’s Pride,”... I 75 
Elster’s Folly, By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “ Castle’s Heir,”,.. 1 75 
St. Martin’s Eve. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “Dene Hollow,” 1 75 
Mildred Arkell. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “East Lynne,”.,., 1 75 
Cyrilla; ortho Mysterious Engagement. By author of “ Initials,” 1 75 

The Miser’s Daughter. B}' William Harrison Ainsworth, 1 75 

Tho Mysteries of Florence. By Geo. Lippard, author “Quaker City,” I 75 


Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


12 T. B. PET3ES0JT & BEGTHEES’ PUBLICATIONS. 


ALEXANBEE DUMAS’ WORKS. 


Count of Monte-Cristo, $1 50 

Edmond Dantes, 75 

The Three Guardsmen, 75 

Twenty Years After, 75 

Bragelonne, 75 

The Iron Mask, 1 00 

Louise La V'alliere, 1 00 

Diana of Meridor, 1 00 

Adventures of a Marquis, 1 00 

Love and Liberty, ( l792-’93) .. 1 50 

Camille j or. The Fate of a Coquette, (La Dame Aux C'amclias,) 1 

The above are each in paper cover, or in cloth, price $1.75 each. 


?,Iemoirsofa Physician, $1 00 

Queen’s Kccklacc, 1 00 

Six Years Later, 1 00 

Countess of Charny, 1 00 

Andi'ee de Taverney, 1 00 

The Chevalier, I 00 

Forty-five Guardsmen, 1 00 

The Iron Hand, 1 00 

The Conscript, I 5<) 

Countess of Montc-Cristo, 1 00 

50 


The Mohicans of Paris, 75 

The Horrors of Paris, 75 

The Fallen Angel, 

Felina de Chambure, 

Sketches in France, 

Isabel of Bavaria, 

Twin Lieutenants, 

Man with Five Wives, 


7o 
75 
75 
75 
75 
7 5 


Annette ; or. Lady of Pearls,... 75 

George; or. Isle of France, 50 

Madame De Chamblay 50 

The Black Tulip, 50 

'I he Corsican Brothers, 50 

The Count of Moret,... 50 

The Marriage Verdict, 50 

Buried Alive, 25 


GEORGE W. M. EEYaTOLDS’ WORKS. 


Rose Foster,. 


>1 

00 

Mary Price, 

$1 

00 

1 

50 

Eust.ice Quentin, 

1 

00 

1 

00 

Joseph Wilmot., 

1 

00 

1 

00 

Banker’s Daughter, 

1 

00 

1 

00 

Kenneth, 


00 

1 

00 

The Rye-House Plot, 

1 

00 

1 

00 

The Necromancer, 

1 

00 

1 

00 

The Gipsy Chief, 

1 

00 


Venetia Trelawney, 

Lord Saxondale, 

Count Christoval, 

Rosa Lambert, 

Wal lace, the Hero of Scotland,. 

The Mysteries of the Court of Naples, full of Illustrations 1 

Robert Bruce, the Hero- King of Scotland, full of Illustrations, 1 

The above are each in paper cover, or in cloth, price $1.75 each. 


00 

00 


Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots,.. 75 

The Opera Dancer, 75 

Child of Waterloo, 

Isabella Vincent, 

Vivian Bertram, 

Countess of Lascelles, , 

Duke of Marchmor t,.. 

Massacre of Glencoe,. 

Loves of the Haiem,.. 

The Soldier’s Wife,. 


75 

75 

75 

75 

75 

75 

75 

75 


Ellen Percy, 75 

Agnes Evelyn, 75 

Pickwick Abroad, 75 

Parricide, 75 

Discarded Queen, 75 

Life in Pans, 50 

The Countess and the Page,.... 50 

Edgar Montrose, 50 

The Ruined Gamester, 50 

CTilford and the Actress, 50 


May ^Middleton, 75 

Ciprina ; or, the Mysteries and Secrets of a Picture Gallerj',.... 

MISS PARDOE’S POPULAR WORKS. 


50 


The Rival Beauties, 7.’’ 

Romance of the Harem, 75 


Confessions ofa Pretty Vv’ oman, 75 

The Wife’s Trials, 75 

The Jealous Wife, 50 

The five above books are also bound in one volume, cloth, for $4.00. 

The Adopted Heir. One volume, paper, $1.50; or in cloth, $1 75 

The Earl’s Secret. One volume, paper, $1.50 ; or in cloth, 1 75 


Above books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 


PETERSONS’ 


'SIEUS SERIES' OF NEW & GOOD ROOKS. 

THEY ARE THE CHEAPEST KOVELS IN THE WORLD. 

Price $1.00 each in morocco cloth; or 75 cents each in paper cover. 


PETERSONS' STERLING SERIES" OF NEW AND GOOD BOOKS, 
tfre each issued in one large octavo volume, all of one size, and in uniform, style, and 
are meeting with great success, as the series contain some of the best and most j^optdar 
novels ever issued. The volumes are handy to hold, and are hound in handsome 
Morocco cloth, with n>on designs, in gold and black, on side and bach, and each booh 
is sold at the uniform ami remarkably low price of One Dollar a copy in this style, 
or in paper covers, with, the edges cut open all round, at Seventy-five cents a cop\ 
Here is cheapness and a great deal of good reading matter combined, which is what aU, 
persons want these times, for each volume issue.d in “Petersons’ Sterling Series ' 
coiitains as much reading matter as is tisually issued in a §1.50, §1.75, or §2.00 volume. 


PETERSONS’ ‘STERLINfi SERIES’ OP GOOD NOVELS JUST EEADV, 


They are the Ctteajpest JVovels in the World, 

Price $1.00 each in morocco cloth; or 75 cents each in paper cover. 

The following works have already been issued in this series, and a new one xvill fol- 
low erery two weeks in the same style, same size, and al the same low price, making 
this series of novels the cheapest ever 2 iublished. The following are their names : 

CHARLES O’MALLEY, The Irish Dragoon. By Charles Lever. 
CYRILLA. A Love Story. By author of “ The luitials.” 

THE FLIRT. By Mrs. Grey, author of “The Gambler’s "Wifo.” 

E DUST A. A Love Stoiy. By Mrs. Henry Wood. 

HARRY LORREQUER. With His Confessions. By Charles Lever. 
AURORA FLOYR. A Love Story. By Miss M. E. Braddon. 

CORINHE ; or, ITALY. By Madame Be Stael. 

POPPIHG THE QUESTION. By author of “The Jilt.” 

FIRST AHD TRUE LOVE. By George Sand. 

THE COQUETTE. A Charming Love Story. By author of “ Misserimus.” 
THE MYSTERY. A Love Story. By Mrs. Henry Wood. 

THE MAN WITH FIVE WIVES. By Alexander Dumas. 

THE JEALOUS WIFE. By Miss Julia Pardoe. 

THACKERAY’S IRISH SKETCH BOOK. Illustrated. 

THE WIFE’S TRIALS. A Love Story. By 3Iiss Julia Pardoo. 
PICKWICK ABROAD. Illustrated. By George W. M. Reynolds. 

THE DEAD SECRET. By WTllde Collins. 

CONFESSIONS OF A PRETTY WOMAN. By Miss Pardoe 
SYLVESTER SOUND. By author of “ Vuleutiue Vox.” 

BASIL ; or. The Crossed Path. By Wilkio Collins 
THE RIVAL BEAUTIES. By Miss Julia Pardoe. 

THE STEWARD. By author of “Valentine Vox.” 

MARRYING FOR MONEY. By Mrs. Mackenzie Daniels, 

THE LOVE MATCH. A Love Story. Bj' Henry Cockton 
I'LIRTATIONS IN AMERICA; or. High Life in New Yors. 
WHITEFRIARS ; or. The Days of Charles the Second. 

HIDE AND SEEK. A Novel. By Wilkie Collins. 

The above hooks are 75 cents each in paper cover, or §1.00 each in cloth. 

J8^ Above books are for sale by all Bcoksellers, or copies of any one, or more, 
oU of them, will be sent, post-paid, to any one, to any place, on remitting their price 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Publishers, 

SOa Vlivslnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 


PETERSONS’ “DOLLAR SERIES” 

OF GOOD AND NEW NOVELS 

AEE THE BEST, THE LAEG-E-ST, THE HAHDSOMEST, 
AND THE CHEAPEST B03Z3 IN THE WOELD. 

Price OXE DOLLAR Each, in 3Iorocco Cloth, Elach and Gold. 

“PETERSONS’ DOLLAR SERIES ” OF GOOD AND NEW 
NOVELS arethp. Cheapest Books at One Dollar each ever publi lied. They are all 
issued in uniform style, in duodecimo form, and are bound in red, tan, or blue vellum, 
with gold and black sides and back, and are the best, the largest^ the handsomest, and the 
cheapest books in the world, being sold at the low price of One Dollar each, while they are 
as large and as handsome as any books published at $1.75 or $2.00 each. The following 
popular books have been issued in “ Petersons’ Dollar Series,” and a new one 
will be added eveiy month, in the same style, same size, and at the same low price. 

A WOMAN’S THOUO-HTS ABOUT WOMEN. Bj Miss Mulock. 
TWO WAYS TO MATEIMONY ; or, I.3 It Lovs, or, False Pride? 
THE STOSY OF “ELIZABETH.” By Miss Thackeray. 

THE MATOHMAHER. A Society Novel. By Beatrice Reynolds. 
THE RIYAL BELLE.j; or. Life in Washington. By J. B. Jones. 
THE WOMAN IN BLAOH. AOompanionto ‘ The Womanin White 
FLIRTATIONS IN FASHIONABLE LIFE. By Catharine Sinclair. 
MY SON’S WIFE. By the Author of “Caste.” 

THE DEVOTED BRIDE. By St. G-eorge Tucker, of Virginia. 

THE HEIRESS IN THE FAMILY. By Mrs. Daniels. 
SARATOGA! AND THE FAMOUS SPRINGS. A Love Story. 
COUNTRY QUARTERS. By the Countess of Blessington. 

LOVE AND DUTY. A Love Story. By Mrs. Hubback. 
SELF-LOVE. A Book for Young Ladies and for Women. 

THE MAN OF THE WORLD. By William North. 

THE QUEEN’S FAVORITE; or. The Price of a Crown. 

THE CAVALIER. A Novel. By G. P. R. James. 

OUT OF THE DEPTHS. The Story of a Woman’s Life. 

COLLEY CIBBER’S LIFE OF EDWIN FORREST, with Portrait. 
HAREM LIFE IN EGYPT AND CONSTANTINOPLE. 

WOMAN’S WRONG. A Book for Women. By Mrs. Eiloart. 

THE COQUETTE; or. The Life and Letters of Elisa Wharton. 
THE OLD PATROON ; or. The Great Van Broek Property. 

THE RECTOR’S WIFE; or, The Valley of a Hundred Fires. 

THE PRIDE OF LIFE. A Love Story. By Lady Jane Scott. 

^‘Petersons’ Dollar Series” will be found for sale by all Booksellers, 
or copies of any one or all of them, will be sent, post-paid, to any one, to any 
place, on remitting One Dollar for each one wanted, to the Publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, 

300 Clietstnut St., Fliiladelpliia, Pa. 


' “Combiues moro attractions than any other /’ — Beaver (Pa.) TCmes. 


CHEAPEST AND BEST 1-=^ 


PETEBSOt^’S MAGAZINE 

OF ART, LITERATURE AHE FASHION. 


FULL-SiZE PAPER PATTERNS! 


JQ[^ A Supplement tyi'Z? be given in every number for 1878, containing a full-size 
paper pattern for a lady'^s^ fr child's dress. Every subscriber will receive^ during the 
year^ twelve of these patterns^ so that these alone will be worth more than the subscrip- 
tion price.^^^}^ 


'‘PETERSON’S IMAOAZTNE” has the best Orip:inal Stories of any of the lady’s 
books, the best Colored Fasfiion Plates, the best Berlin Patterns, tlie best Receipts. 
-Its principal illustrations are not cheap wood-cuts, as with others, but 


gptiiili 




Every family ought to take it. It gives more for the money than any in the world. 
It ha.s loug been celebrated for its 

THRILLING TALES AND NOVELETTES 

* 

It will contain, in 1878, FrvR'OaTGiNAL Ooptrigrt Novelettes, by Mrs. Ann S. 
Stepliens, Frank Leo Benedict, Mrs. F. Hodgson Burnett, as well as others of tlio best 
authors of America. Also, nearly a hundred shorter ttories^ all original. Its superb 

Mammoth Colored Fashion Plates 

Are ahead of all others. These plates are engraved on steel, twice the usual size, 
and are the very Latest Paris Styles. 

N,B , — ^5 the publisher no to pre-pays the postage to all mail suhscriberSy “PeZerson” 
is CHEAPER TUAN EVER ; in fact is THE CHEAPEST IN THE WORLD. 


T£RMS (Always in Advance) $2.00 A YEAR* 


2 Copies for $3.60 
6 ‘‘ ‘‘ 4.80 

4 Copies for $6.80 

5 8.00 

6 Copies for $9.60 

8 12.00 

11 « « 16.00 


{ With a copy of the premium picture (24 x 20) 
" The Angels of Christmas,” a./Zue dollar engraving^ 
to the person getting up the Club, 
f With an extra copy of the Magazine for 1878, as 
( a preniium, to the person getting np the Club. 

{ Witli both an extra copy of tlie Magazine for 1878^ 
and the j)reniium picture, a five dollar engraving^ 
to the person getting up the Club. 


Address, post-paid, 


CHARLES J. PETERSON, 


306 Chestnut St., Philadelj[)feia, Ta. 

>®(J5=*Specimon8 sent grati? if written for. 


I 




NEW BOOKS BY THE BEST AUTHOKS. 

FOR SALE BY ALL BOOKSELLERS, AND PUBLISHED BY 

T. B, PETERSON & BROTHERS, 

No. 306 Cliestssut Street, Philadelpliia. 


11^“ The following New Books are all 'printed on tinted paper, and are 
is>>ued in uniform style, in square 12mo. form. Price Fifty Cents each in 
Paper Cover, or One Dollar each in Morocco Cloth, Black and Gold. 
They are Fifteen of the best and most charming Novels ever printed. 


GABRIELLE; or, THE HOUSE OF MAUREZE. Translated from the 
French of Henry Greville, who is now the most popular writer in Europe. 

A WOMAN’S MISTAKE; or, JACQUES DE TREVANNES. Transla- 
ted from the French of Madame Anglic Dussaud, by Mary Neal Sherwood. 

MADAME POMPADOUR’S GARTER. A Thrilling and Historical 
Romance of the days of Madame Pompadour, and of the Court of Louis 
the Fifteenth, during his Reign. By Gabrielle De St. Andre. 

MISS CRESPIGNY. A Love Story. By Mrs. Frances Hodgson Bur- 
nett, author of “ That Lass o’ Lowrie’s,” “ Kathleen,” “ Theo,” etc. 

KATHLEEN. A Love Story. By 31rs. Frances Hodgson Burnett, 
author of “ Theo,” “ Pretty Polly Pemberton,” “ Miss Crespigny,” etc. 

“THEO.” A Love Story. By 3Irs. Frances Hodgson Burnett, author 
of “ Kathleen,” “ Miss Crespigny,” “Pretty Polly Pemberton,” etc. 

PRETTY POLLY PEMBERTON. A Love Story. By 3Irs. Frances 
Hodgson Burnett, author of “ Theo,” “ Miss Crespigny,” “ Kathleen,” etc. 

THE MATCHMAKER. A Charming Novel. By Beatrice Reynolds. 
All the pictures and scenes have the freshness of life, and vitality of truth. 

THE STORY OF “ELIZABETH.” By Miss Thackeray, daughter of 
William M. Thackeray, the author of “ Vanity Fair,” “ Pendennis,” etc. 

TWO WAYS TO MATRIMONY ; or, IS IT LOVE ? or, FALSE PRIDE. 

A book for all Ladies and for all Gentlemen ; as well as for all Parents. 

THAT GIRL OF MINE. A Love Story. By the author of “Y/yo^. Xovcr 
of 31 ine.” This is one of the most brilliant society novels ever issued. 

BESSIE’S SIX LOVERS. A Charming Love Story, of the ]nirest and 
best kind. Written by a Noted Author. Bessie, the'heroine, is perfect. 

THE RED HILL TRAGEDY. By 3Trs. E. D. E. N. Soutlnoorth, author of 
“ The Phantom Wedding,” “ Ishmael,” “ Self- Raised,” “ Mother-in-Law.” 

THAT LOVER OF MINE. A Love Story. By the author of ‘‘'’That 
Girl of 3Iine.” It will be found superior even to its popular predecessor. 

THE AMOURS OF PHILLIPPE. A History of “ Phillippk’.s Love 
Affairs.” By Octave Feuillet. Translated by Mary Neal Sherwood. 

Above Books are 50 Cents each in paper cover, or $1.00 each in cloth 


1^^ Copies of any one or more of the above books, will be sent to any one, 
to any place, at once, post-paid, on remitting price to the publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, 

30G Cliestuiit St., Philadelphia, Pa. 




Cheapest Book House in tee Woeui 

Is at the Publishing and Bookselling Establishment of 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, 

No. 306 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

awa 

T. B. PETI'^RSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, are the American pul)lishei*» of 
the popular and fast-selling books written by ]Mrs. Emma D, E. N. Southwoktit, 
Mas. Ann S. Stephens, Mas. Cakoline Lee Hkntz, Miss Eliza A. Duply, Mas. C, 
A. Warfield, Mrs. Hknky Wood, Q. K. P. Doesticks, Emerson Benneit, T. S. 
Arthur, George Lippahd, Hans Breitmann (Charles G. Leland), James A. Maitv 
LAND, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, Charles Lever, Wilkie Collins, 
Mrs. 0. J. Newcy, Justus Liebig, W. H. Maxwell, Alexander Dumas, George 
W. M. Reynolds, Samuel Warren, Henry Cockton, Fredrika Bremer, T. 
Adolphus Trollope, Madame George '^and, Eugene Sue, Miss Pardoe, Eeank 
Fairlegh, W. H. Ainsworth, Frank Forrester (Henry W. Herbert), Miss 
Ellen Pickering, Captain Marryatt, IMrs. Gray, G. P. R. James, Henry Mob- 
ford, Gustave Aimard, and hundreds of other authors ; as well as of Dow’s Patent 
Sermons, Humorous American Looks, and Miss Leslie’s, Miss Widdifield’s, The 
Young Wife’s, IMrs. Goudfellow’s, JIks. Hale’s, Petersons’, The National, 
Francatellt’s, The Famii-y Saahi-All, Queen of the Kitchen, and all the best 
and popular Cook Books publisliod. 

T. B. PETEKSON & BR01TIP]RS take pleasure in calling the attention of the 
mtire Reading Community, as well as of all their Customers, and every D* okseller, 
News Agent, and Book Buyer, as well as of the entire Book Trade everywl»ere, to 
the fact that they are now pul>lishing a large number of cloth and paper-covered 
Books, in very attractive style, including a series of 25 cent, 50 cent, 75 cent, 

$1.50, $1.75, and $2.00 Books, in new ^tyie covei's and bindings, making them large 
books for the monej’’, and bringing them before the Reading Public by liberal ad- 
vertising. They are new books, anil are cheap editions of the most popular and most 
ftileable books published, are written by the best American and English authoi’S, and 
are presented in a very attractive style, piinted from legible type, on good paper, 
and are especially adapted to suit all who love to read good books, as well as for all 
General Reaaing, and they will be found for sale by all Booksellers, and at Hotel 
Stands, Raih-oatl Statiwis and in the Cars, They are in fact the most popular series 
of works of ■ilctiou ever published, retailing at 25 cents, 50 cents, 75 cents, $1.00, $1.50, 
$1.75, and $2.00 each, as they comprise the writings of the best and most popular 
authors in the world, all of which will bo sold by us to the trade at veiy low iniccii, 
and also at retail to everybody. Send for a Catalogue of these books at once. 

New books are issued by us every week, comprising the best and most enter- 
taining works published, suitable for the Parlor, Lilaary, Sitting-Room, Railroad or 
Steamboat reading, and are written by the most popular and best writers in the world. 

-6®=* Enclose a draft for five, ten, twenty, fifty, or one hundred dollars, or more, to 
us in a letter, and write for what hooks you wish, and on receipt of the money, or a 
satisfactory reference, the books will bo ])acke(l and sent to you at once, in any vay 
you may direct, with circulars and show-bills of the books to post up. 

We want every Bookseller, and every News Agent, everywhere, to sell our 
books, and to keep an assortment of them on luind, and to send to ns at once for a 
copy of our New Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue, which look over carefully, mark- 
ing what books you may want, as it contains a list of all books published by us, all 
or any of which will bo sold by us to everybody in the Book Trade, to Booksellers, 
or to News Agents, at very low rates. Tliere are no books published 3 'ou can sell as 
many of, or make as much money on, as Petersons’. Send us on a trial order. 
All orders, large or snnall, will be sent the da^' the order is received, and small 
orders will receive the same promptness and care as large orders. 

All Books named in Petersons’ Catalogue will be found for sale by all Book- 
Bellem, or copies of any one book, or more, or all of them, will be sent to an^’^ one at 
once, to any place, per mail, post-paid, or free of freight, on remitting the retail price 
of the books A^anted to T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia. 

4®* WANTED. — A Bookseller, News Agent, or (’anvasser, in every city, town or 
village on t^^is Continent, to engage in tlie sale of Petersons’ New and Populur 
Fiist Selling Books, on wdiich large sales, and large profits can be made. 

Booksellers, Librarians, News Agents, Canvassers, Pcdlers, and all other per- 
sons, who may want any of Petersons’ Popular and Fast Selling Books, will pleas® 
address their orders and letters, at once, to meet with immediate attention, to 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Publishers, 

306 Chestnut Strki:t. Philadelphia, Pa. 


A HEART TWICE WON; 

OR, 

SEOOWD LOVE. 

A CHARMING STORT. 

BY MRS. ELIZABETH VAN LOON. 


“A HEART TWICE WON; ok, SECOND DOVE.” By Mks. 
Elizabeth Van Loon. The present might be correctly described as 
the period of romantic fiction. It seems as if a new novel were published 
almost every day. The merit of these varies, of course, but their general 
execution is good. Now and then a new writer appears to take the read- 
ing world by storm. In this category may be placed the author of 
“A Heart Twice Won” (a capital title), in which the mystery of the 
plot is at once veiled and half revealed. A most experienced critic, who 
has probably read two-thirds of the novels of the last forty years, says, 
“ ‘A Heart Twice Won’ must be a brilliant success. That it is by a 
new writer, is very evident ; it is equally obvious, from the delicacy and 
force with which the plot has been framed and worked out to a legitimate 
conclusion, as well as from the development of the respective characters, 
that a young lady is the author. It is pure as well as passionate. More- 
over, the incidents, sometimes startling, are all within the legitimate 
limit of probability. The scene, alternately in Virginia and in Europe, is 
always accurately realistic — whetlier the action takes place on a Southern 
estate, or amid fashionable society in London, or (still more difficult to 
depict) in an Earl’s ancestral castle in rural England. Nothing can 
exceed the easy grace, and truth of the last. The dialogue is at once nat- 
ural and expressive and, above all, this is, most intensely, a thorough 
love tale.” This opinion, though not written for publication, accurately 
characterizes ‘‘A Heart Twice Won.” 


Bound in Morocco Cloth, Gilt and Black, Price $1.50. 


Above Book is for sale by all Booksellers, or copies will be sent to any 
one, to any place, at once, post-paid, on remitting price to the publishers, 

T. B. PETEKSOjS^ & BllOTHEES, 

30G Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

b S ''n . 
















